QatarEnergy, Qatar’s state-owned energy company and one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters, has declared force majeure for shipments of lLNG and related products. Force majeure is a contractual clause that exempts companies from liability in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as earthquakes or wars. The company on Monday halted production of LNG and associated products after Iranian attacks on its facilities in the Ras Laffan and Mesaieed industrial cities. The Strait of Hormuz, the choke point for shipping energy out of the Gulf, has been blocked since the U.S.-Israel air strikes on Iran last Saturday morning.