Qatar Accuses Iran of Weaponizing Strait of Hormuz to Blackmail Gulf States
Primary region Middle East
Tags Security · Energy · Diplomacy
Regions Middle East
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned Iran on May 12 against using the Strait of Hormuz as a weapon to 'pressure or blackmail' Gulf countries. The remarks came at a joint press conference in Doha with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Iran's IRGC simultaneously declared the Strait part of an expanded 'strategic operational zone' stretching 320-480km across the Gulf. The Strait handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Qatar and Turkey jointly support Pakistan-led mediation efforts for the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Fidan said both Washington and Tehran appear willing to end the war but remain divided on the framing of an agreement.
Strategic interpretation
Qatar's public break with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz signals that Gulf states' patience with Tehran's leverage tactics is wearing thin. Iran's expanded 'strategic zone' claim is a legal and military challenge to freedom of navigation that could draw in naval forces from the U.S., UK, and other powers. The Qatar-Turkey-Pakistan mediation axis represents an alternative diplomatic track that bypasses both Washington and Tehran, but its effectiveness depends on Iran's willingness to accept face-saving compromises.