Qatari official: War in Gaza was the ‘nucleus’ for Iran’s attacks on the Gulf, pushes for deal

Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed al-Ansari stated on CNN that the war in Gaza is the core issue driving regional conflicts, including Iran's attacks on the Gulf. He argued that sanctions have not produced the desired outcomes and that resolving the crisis will require a negotiated agreement. The attacks, Ansari explained, were a direct consequence of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.

Qatar, like other Gulf states, has been repeatedly targeted by Iran since the February strikes involving Israel and the United States. Despite the attacks impacting Doha's economy and infrastructure, Ansari framed them as a result of Israel's actions in Gaza. Dr. Ariel Admoni, a researcher, noted that Qatar's framing of the regional situation as a "spillover" from the Gaza war allows it to claim a "I told you so" position and seek regional and international peace.

Admoni warned that Qatar's approach to achieving peace would rely on concessions from Israel and the West. Qatar's priorities include ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open and preventing military escalation in the region. Admoni suggested that Qatar's LNG shipments to India and Japan may have influenced Ansari's stance, as the country seeks to project an image of stability and importance for the international economy.

However, the comments also serve as international pressure on Qatar to maintain its LNG exports amid Europe's increasing concerns. Ansari emphasized that closing the Strait of Hormuz should not become the new normal, as it could lead to severe consequences for global trade, energy security, food security, and industrial production.