Qatar puts pressure on Iran re Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes

Qatar teamed up with the United States on Monday to ramp up pressure on Iran to loosen its grip on shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-of Thani bin bin said he spoke directly with his Iranian counterpart on the matter, urging Tehran not to treat the strait as a "bargaining chip."

"HE Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the need for all parties to respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts, calling for dialogue and peaceful means to address the root causes of the crisis and reach a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation," the ministry said in a statement.

"He also underlined the importance of keeping maritime routes open and ensuring freedom of navigation, warning against using them as a bargaining chip," the statement continued." 

His Excellency further cautioned that any disruption to shipping lanes could have serious consequences for countries in the region, as well as for global energy and food supplies, with wider implications for international peace and security," it added.

Look, this is classic Gulf diplomacy at work. Qatar, playing its usual balancing act between Washington and Tehran, is making it crystal clear that choking off one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints is a non-starter. The last thing the region needs right now is another self-inflicted wound on global trade, especially when energy markets and food supplies are already on edge. 

Tehran would be wise to heed the call for de-escalation before things spiral further. Of course they did, otherwise the regime would be totally destroyed.

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