There were attacks on Saudi and Qatari ships near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari demanded Iran to immediately stop all activities that threaten the security of the region. Also, do not endanger the world’s energy supply and the resources of the Gulf countries for your limited interests. At the same time, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai termed Qatar’s allegations against good neighborly relations.
The equation is changing in the Middle East after the attacks on the ships of Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the Strait of Hormuz. The biggest change has been seen in Qatar’s stance. Qatar has directly blamed Iran for these attacks. This is a big deal because till now Qatar was considered Iran’s closest ally and supporting country. Let us know whether the equations between Qatar and Iran are going to change now…
Why is it a big deal to change Qatar’s stance?
Despite the US having the largest military base in Qatar, Qatar hosted the Doha talks to reduce tensions between the US and Iran. Qatar’s main strategy has always been to balance both sides. Most of the Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain have had bad relations with Iran for a long time. But Qatar always maintains balanced relations with Iran. There are two big reasons behind this.
- Qatar and Iran share the world’s largest natural gas reserves, the South Pars/North Dome gas field. Therefore, economic relations between the two have been very strong.
- In 2017, when Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt boycotted Qatar, Iran itself opened its air and sea routes to Qatar. At that time Iran became the biggest support for Qatar.
For this reason, it is now considered very important for Qatar to directly accuse Iran. It is clear from this that Qatar has put its national security and economic interests above old friendship.
What can change now?
1. Saudi and Qatar will be closer
After the Al-Ula Agreement of 2021, relations between the two countries had improved, but complete trust could not be built. Now after the attacks on ships, both the countries are seen standing together against Iran. This can increase security and defense cooperation between them.
2. Solidarity of GCC countries will increase
Till now, Iran was benefiting from the soft stance of countries like Qatar and Oman within the Gulf countries. But after Qatar’s changing stance, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) may become more united than before. This will increase regional pressure on Iran. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE are members of GCC.
3. Iran may become further isolated
Iran is already facing western sanctions, economic crisis and international pressure. Now if Qatar also keeps distance from it, Iran’s diplomatic isolation may increase further.
What will be the impact on the world?
About 20% of the world’s crude oil and most of Qatar’s LNG are exported through the Strait of Hormuz. If attacks on ships continue or tensions escalate into war, oil and gas supplies will be affected. A sharp increase in their prices may also be seen. Qatar’s changed stance can create new equations in the politics of the Middle East. Now the world will keep an eye on how Iran responds to this and in what direction the situation moves in the Gulf region.
Also read: US airstrike on 3 areas of Iran, responded to the attack in Hormuz
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