Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, MD and group CEO, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be controlled or restricted by Iran, warning that any disruption would have far-reaching global consequences.

In a post on X, Dr Al Jaber said attempts to block navigation through the waterway would go beyond a regional issue, calling it a threat to a critical artery for global trade.

“Any effort to restrict passage is not just a regional matter but a disruption to a global economic lifeline, and a direct threat to energy, food and health security worldwide,” he wrote.

ADNOC MD and GCEO: Global economy would not be able to absorb the fallout

He described such actions as unlawful and dangerous, adding that the global economy would not be able to absorb the fallout or allow such a situation to persist.

Dr Al Jaber said that since February 28, at least 22 vessels had been targeted, resulting in 10 crew deaths and leaving around 20,000 seafarers stranded and unable to transit safely.

He added that roughly 800 commercial ships were currently stranded, including nearly 400 oil tankers, underscoring the scale of disruption to global shipping flows.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for a significant share of the world’s oil exports, has come under increased scrutiny amid rising regional tensions.

Qatar’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) has announced the full resumption of maritime navigation for all types of vessels starting Sunday, April 12, 2026, marking a significant return to normal operations across the country’s waters.

According to an official statement released Saturday, navigation will be permitted between 6:00am and 6:00pm for all maritime vessels and ships. The ministry emphasised that vessels licensed for fishing activities will continue to operate throughout the day, in line with earlier directives, a Qatar News Agency report said.

Read more-Trump announces US blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Officials underscored the importance of strict compliance with safety requirements. “All operators must ensure the availability and proper functioning of safety and security equipment before and during voyages,” the MOT said. The ministry stressed that adherence to these measures is essential to maintaining the highest standards of safety across all maritime trips.

Compliance and fair practices urged

The announcement follows earlier guidance issued on April 9, when the MOT’s Maritime Transport Affairs called on licensed entities to uphold fairness and transparency in delivering maritime services.

Authorities cited existing legal frameworks, including maritime and navigational laws, as key references for compliance.

“The current extraordinary circumstances must not justify any surcharges,” the ministry warned, reiterating that violations could result in legal accountability.

Saudi Arabia has summoned Iraq’s ambassador in Riyadh over what it described as ongoing drone threats launched from Iraqi territory targeting the kingdom and other Gulf states.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Iraqi ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Safia Taleb Al-Suhail, was formally summoned by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, deputy minister for political affairs ambassador, Dr Saud Al-Sati, delivered an official protest note, condemning what were described as “continued blatant drone attacks and threats” originating from Iraqi territory.

The Saudi side reiterated its “strong condemnation and denunciation” of the incidents, stressing that Iraq must act decisively to address the threats.

“The Kingdom emphasised the importance of Iraq dealing responsibly with these threats and attacks,” the foreign ministry said, according to SPA.

US President Donald Trump has said the US will begin blockading vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz, following the collapse of peace talks with Iran in Islamabad over the weekend.

In a series of remarks on Truth Social later on Sunday, Trump said negotiations had made progress on several fronts but ultimately failed on what he described as the key issue.

“Most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not,” he said.

The escalation comes just five days after the two sides agreed to a fragile ceasefire, underscoring the volatility of the situation around one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.

Trump said he had instructed the US Navy to take direct action against vessels linked to Iran’s controversial toll system in the Strait.

“I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran,” he said. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.”

He added that “other countries” would be involved in the effort, though he did not provide further details.

In a further warning, Trump said that “at an appropriate moment” the US military would “finish up the little that is left of Iran!”, signalling the potential for renewed military escalation despite the recent ceasefire.

Iran steps up military posture

Meanwhile, Iran has moved to strengthen its defensive position along its southern coastline.

State media reported that navy special forces have been deployed to coastal areas, with the stated aim of countering any potential incursion.

According to Iran’s Student News Network, troops have been positioned near key areas “to counter any possible enemy infiltration into the country’s territory,” accompanied by images of soldiers in camouflage along sandy coastal zones.

The latest developments raise the risk of further disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments that has already seen traffic drop more than 90 per cent in recent weeks.

The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) has announced the resumption of in-person learning and services starting April 12, covering nurseries, kindergartens, public and private schools, as well as educational service centers, in line with the approved academic calendar.

In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that government schools will implement alternative assessment methods for mid-term examinations during the second semester. These measures, recently introduced, aim to ensure continuity in evaluating student performance.

Flexible assessment measures introduced

The ministry emphasised that “the adoption of electronic applications does not conflict with the in-person learning model, but rather is a flexible assessment tool to measure learning outcomes in different circumstances,” according to a Qatar News Agency report.

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Private schools, meanwhile, will conduct internal assessments based on their approved educational plans, while continuing to administer centralised examinations in accordance with directives issued by their respective examination boards.

Strong infrastructure and preparedness

Reaffirming its readiness, the ministry highlighted the strength of Qatar’s educational infrastructure and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. It noted that comprehensive systems and procedural frameworks are in place to support both in-person and distance learning.

These include well-developed teaching plans, instructional strategies, and assessment mechanisms designed to maintain educational standards under various scenarios.

The ministry added that transitions between learning models are guided by precise criteria, developed in coordination with relevant authorities, to balance educational continuity with safety.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the current situation and will announce any updates through its official channels in due course,” the statement said, underscoring its commitment to student and staff well-being.