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Qatar said on Tuesday that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz violates international law and stressed that no country, including Iran, has the right to obstruct maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari made the remarks during a press conference in Doha while addressing recent regional developments.
“The current closure of the Strait of Hormuz completely violates international law, and this is unacceptable,” Al Ansari said.
He stressed that Qatar has the right to safe passage under international law and noted that Doha is not part of any new arrangement concerning control of the strait.
Ansari emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to resolving regional tensions.
He said Qatar supports mediation efforts led by Pakistan and added that Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has been engaged in intensive diplomatic contacts aimed at preserving the ceasefire.
“All of Qatar’s regional and international contacts are focused on preventing a renewed escalation,” he said.
Ansari also noted that Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani raised the issue of reopening the strait during talks with international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ansari said the passage of two Qatari LNG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz toward Pakistan should not be interpreted as a return to normal maritime operations.
“Passage of two LNG tankers does not mean normalization,” he said.
He added that more than 10 fully loaded LNG tankers remain stranded inside the strait, warning that the situation continues to threaten global energy markets and prices.
The spokesperson said Qatar has not experienced disruptions in essential goods supplies and that contingency planning has prevented any need to draw from strategic reserves.
Ansari said regional countries do not want a return to military confrontation and emphasized that maintaining the current ceasefire remains a priority. “No one in the region wants military tensions again. We are also working to ensure this does not happen again,” he said.
He added that Qatar seeks a lasting solution guaranteeing regional security.
At the same time, Ansari said Iran targeted Qatar’s sovereignty, population and economy during the conflict, describing it as a serious issue.
However, he stressed that ties with the Iranian people continue based on good neighborly relations.
“The Iranian people, like other peoples in the region, deserve to live in peace and prosperity,” he said.
Commenting on developments related to Gaza, Ansari criticized Israeli actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and rejected any attempt to alter its historical and religious status.
He reiterated Qatar’s support for Palestinian rights and backed recognition of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Ansari also condemned Israel’s interception of the Global Sumud Fleet carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it a violation of international law and maritime security.
He called for the immediate and unconditional release of activists detained after the vessel was seized.
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