Qatar said Tuesday that no nation, including Iran, has the right to obstruct or close the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The statement comes as tensions persist between the U.S. and Iran, with the strategic waterway serving as a critical artery for global energy shipments. Any disruption to the passage could destabilize regional security and disrupt international trade.
Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al‑Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that closing the strait would be a direct violation of international law [1]. He said that the freedom of navigation must be respected to ensure safe maritime passage for all nations [1].
Al‑Ansari noted the rights of his own country regarding the waterway. "It is the right of the State of Qatar to have safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz," he said [2].
Qatar is also monitoring diplomatic efforts to lower tensions in the region. Al‑Ansari said the role of Pakistan in attempting to mediate between the U.S. and Iran [3]. He said that these diplomatic efforts require "more time" to be effective [3].
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical chokepoints in the world [1]. By calling for adherence to international law, Qatar is positioning itself as a proponent of stability, and diplomatic resolution over military or economic blockade strategies [1].
“"Closing it completely contradicts international law."”
Qatar's public stance reinforces its role as a regional mediator that prioritizes the legal framework of the seas over unilateral state control. By explicitly mentioning Iran and the ongoing Pakistani mediation, Doha is signaling that while it recognizes the volatility of the US-Iran relationship, it views the openness of the Strait of Hormuz as a non-negotiable requirement for global economic stability.
