Qatar PM: Strait of Hormuz Should Not Be Used for Blackmail

Doha. Qatar has said that the 'Strait of Hormuz', which has been blocked since the war began in the Middle East, should not be used as a means to pressure or blackmail Gulf countries. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed this view on Tuesday at a joint press conference in Doha with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Prime Minister Thani, who has been seen in a mediating role in talks between Iran and the United States, clarified that Iran should not use this strait as a weapon to pressure Gulf countries. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has affected the transportation of about one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas. This has created great tension in the economies of the energy-rich Gulf countries as their sea exports are stopped.

At the press conference, Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan supported Qatar's statement, saying that when international waterways are blocked, its effects are borne by innocent people and even Iran's supporting nations. Tehran has targeted American assets as well as civilian infrastructure, airports, and energy facilities after the war was imposed on it.

Discussing Qatar's growing role in peace talks, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed informed that his recent visit to America was focused on strengthening mediation efforts to end the war. He said that this visit was mainly focused on supporting Pakistani diplomatic efforts and finding a positive solution as soon as possible. Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan also mentioned that Ankara, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are in close contact with Gulf countries including the UAE and Kuwait regarding the ongoing talks.