Did the US play any role in redirecting the Qatari LNG tanker Al Areesh bound for Pakistan?

No, the US explicitly stated it had no role in redirecting the Al Areesh; according to Centcom spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins, US forces were not involved in the vessel’s redirection. The tanker was instead ordered by Iran to pause its voyage to Pakistan, as confirmed by a person familiar with the matter.

Why was the Al Areesh delayed, and what are the implications for Pakistan’s energy supply?

The Al Areesh was delayed after being ordered by Iran to pause its voyage — making it the first Qatari LNG shipment to transit the Strait of Hormuz in over three weeks following an earlier tanker attack there. Its arrival in Pakistan is now postponed to August 6 from July 31, worsening Pakistan’s energy supply crunch, as the country relies on Qatar for nearly all its LNG imports and has already spent over $400 million on spot LNG purchases since late February to replace canceled cargoes.

US Says Not Involved in Redirecting Pakistan-Bound LNG Tanker

Jul 31, 2026

The US denies involvement in redirecting a Qatari LNG tanker bound for Pakistan amid regional tensions. The delivery delay threatens Pakistan's energy supply as QatarEnergy extends force majeure on shipments.

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