Two Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have recommenced their journey through the Strait of Hormuz after being held up for almost a month. Both vessels had been loaded with LNG in Qatar prior to the recent escalation of conflict involving Iran, which caused their delay. The restart of their transit is anticipated to help alleviate interruptions in LNG deliveries from the Gulf region.
This movement is seen as a significant development toward stabilizing energy shipments amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the area. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, making the resumption of these tankers’ voyages particularly important.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Monday that US and Israeli forces had targeted the ‘MIT of Iran,’ referring to one of the country’s foremost universities. Posting on the social media platform X, Araqchi accused the “Israeli-US aggressors” of bombing the facility, noting that this attack followed strikes on other academic institutions. No additional details were provided, and there has been no immediate response from the United States or Israel.
The university mentioned is widely believed to be Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, a leading center for science and engineering in Iran. Established in 1966, Sharif University is often regarded as Iran’s top institution for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, frequently compared to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States.
In his statement, Araqchi invoked a religious sentiment, asserting that knowledge would remain accessible to Iranians despite external pressures and warning that those responsible for the attacks would face consequences. These remarks come amid rising tensions in the region, with multiple sites in Iran reportedly targeted in recent days.
