Qatar’s foreign minister and premier, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said Tuesday that Iran should not use the Strait of Hormuz to pressure or blackmail Gulf states.

He was speaking at a press conference in Doha alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, two key intermediaries in ongoing Iran-US talks.

Why is Qatar warning Iran over the Strait of Hormuz?

Qatar is warning Iran because the Hormuz blockade has directly harmed Gulf economies. About a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas normally passes through the strait. By closing it, Iran has halted maritime exports from energy-rich Gulf states, targeting the region’s economic lifeline to extract political concessions.

What did Qatar and Turkey say about the strait?

“Iran should not use this strait as a weapon to pressure or to blackmail the Gulf countries,” Sheikh Mohammed said. Fidan echoed that position, saying the strait must not be “used as a weapon,” according to an Arabic translation of his Turkish remarks.

Both ministers called for an end to Iran’s use of the waterway as a pressure tool.

How has Iran’s blockade affected Gulf countries?

Gulf countries have borne the brunt of Iran’s actions during the Middle East war. Tehran has targeted US assets as well as civilian infrastructure, airports and energy facilities across the region.

The Hormuz blockade has compounded that pressure by cutting off crucial maritime trade routes for Gulf exporters.

What role is Qatar playing in the Iran-US talks?

Sheikh Mohammed said a recent visit to the United States was aimed at strengthening mediation efforts to end the war.

“The visit focused primarily on supporting the Pakistani diplomatic efforts and ensuring a positive response to these efforts to reach a solution as quickly as possible,” he said. Qatar has positioned itself as a central broker alongside Turkey and Pakistan.

Where does Turkey stand on the negotiations?

Fidan said Ankara has maintained close contact with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, particularly regarding the ongoing negotiations.

Turkey and Qatar have emerged as the two most active diplomatic intermediaries between Iran and Western powers. Their joint press conference in Doha signals a coordinated push to accelerate a resolution.