The military escalation and tensions in the region over the past weeks have disrupted maritime traffic through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has roiled the global energy markets and risks causing food shortages around the world.
While the US and Iran have held talks and are reportedly meeting for a second round of negotiations in Pakistan this week, it is crucial that the existing ceasefire is consolidated and freedom of navigation is protected. While Qatar is not directly involved in the talks, it has supported all efforts that lead to peace and stability in the region.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who was in Turkiye to attend the opening of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, met Turkish President H E Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister H E Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the forum. The three leaders discussed the regional situation and the global efforts for de-escalation. In this regard, H H the Amir and the Turkish President commended and expressed support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
Recognising the significance of secure shipping lanes in the region, France and the UK also hosted a meeting, with Qatar’s participation, on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. It reaffirmed full diplomatic support for unrestricted navigation through the Strait and the need to uphold international law.
Qatar and other GCC countries have shown remarkable restraint and wisdom amid the regional military escalation, prioritising the region’s longterm peace and stability. GCC has also welcomed a resolution adopted by the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during its 113th session, addressing maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution condemned Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz as well as attacks and threats against vessels in the region and the territories of GCC states and Jordan.
While a ceasefire in Lebanon, a step welcomed by the State of Qatar and other nations, is largely holding, the ceasefire between Iran and US should be respected and consolidated, and the Strait of Hormuz must be opened for all vessels. The international law and norms must be protected and a peaceful solution must be found through negotiations.
