Doha — Qatar on Tuesday emphasized that any agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz must include international guarantees, rejecting attempts to use the strategic waterway as leverage in ongoing conflicts. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following US and Israeli military operations targeting Iran, which have disrupted navigation and threatened energy security.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari told reporters that Doha opposes using the strait as a “pressure tool in any dispute,” stressing that restrictions or unilateral actions could endanger global energy and food security. “The continued closure of the strategic waterway is a violation of international law and a threat to energy and food security,” he said, warning that such measures would not resolve underlying conflicts.
Iran’s Restrictions and Regional Response
The remarks follow Iranian actions to restrict navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to target vessels attempting passage without coordination. On March 31, Iran’s National Security Committee approved draft legislation to impose transit fees on ships passing through the strait, a move that has sparked concern among neighboring states and the international community.
Ansari emphasized that any attempt to impose fees “must come within a regional consensus” and cannot be enforced unilaterally. He said Qatar’s approach is to avoid direct involvement in the conflict while defending itself against potential Iranian attacks and supporting de-escalation efforts.
US Pressure and Escalation Risks
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil exports transit, has been at the center of escalating tensions between Tehran, Washington, and its allies. US President Donald Trump had issued an ultimatum for Iran to reopen the strait and reach an agreement by Tuesday night at 8 pm EDT (0000GMT Wednesday), threatening to target power stations and bridges across Iran if the deadline was missed.
Ansari noted that the ongoing escalation, combined with international efforts to address the crisis, underscores the risk to regional stability. He said Qatar is prepared for all scenarios regarding potential trade and energy impacts, but stressed that resolving the crisis begins with ending the escalation rather than further militarizing the strait.
Regional Conflict and Retaliation
The current tensions are part of a broader conflict that began on February 28, when Israel and the US launched a coordinated offensive against Iran. Reports indicate that these operations killed more than 1,340 people, including the then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, although Iranian authorities have not updated the toll in recent days.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These actions have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted both regional and international trade, including aviation and energy markets.
Energy and International Implications
Analysts highlight the global stakes in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a critical chokepoint for oil exports. Any disruption in navigation or imposition of unilateral fees could reverberate across international markets, affecting energy prices and economic stability worldwide.
Qatar’s call for international guarantees and consensus reflects a desire to ensure that the strait remains accessible and secure. Al-Ansari said that Doha advocates a measured approach focused on diplomacy and adherence to international law, rather than unilateral coercive measures.
Qatar’s stance underscores the importance of multilateral frameworks in managing crises over strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. By advocating for international oversight and regional consensus, Doha seeks to reduce the risk of further escalation while ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy and trade through one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The coming hours and days will be pivotal as regional powers, including Iran, the US, and international mediators, navigate the delicate balance between military pressure and diplomatic resolution in a conflict that continues to threaten both regional stability and global energy security.
