Qatar says Gulf cannot rely on US alone for security
Qatar's foreign ministry says Gulf states cannot rely on the US alone for security and must build self-sufficiency amid the Iran war stalemate.
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Gulf nations cannot rely solely on the United States and other international alliances for their security and need to be more self-sufficient, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said in Abu Dhabi on Monday. He made the remarks at the Hili Forum in the United Arab Emirates, as Qatar continues its mediation role in the ongoing US-Iran war.
Why does Qatar say Gulf states need security self-sufficiency?
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman told the Hili Forum that a strategic alliance with the United States remains important but is not enough on its own. He said Gulf countries must build genuine self-sufficiency in security while continuing to work with international partners and allies during regional conflicts.
"We need to realize in the Gulf that having international forces in the region, having a strategic alliance with the United States, is very important, but is not enough," he told the forum. "Self-sufficiency when it comes to security is the only way forward. Yes, we need our partners. Yes, we need our allies. But we cannot depend on them alone for our security," he added.
What role does Qatar play in the US-Iran war?
Qatar is a key mediator in the US-Iran war and has sustained heavy Iranian attacks, particularly on its energy infrastructure. The small but gas-rich country hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, placing it at the center of the regional conflict. Iran has responded to US strikes by targeting American military sites and energy facilities across the region.
What is happening in the Strait of Hormuz?
After six months of conflict, the US and Iran remain at a stalemate. Iran has disrupted shipping traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while the US presses a counter-blockade of Iranian ports. Last month, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani travelled to Tehran as part of ongoing mediation efforts. The visit followed talks between Iran and Oman, which border the strait, on a temporary shipping corridor and mine-clearing operations.
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