Summary Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim urges reopening the Strait of Hormuz and renewed diplomacy at UNGA, warning of escalating Gulf regional tensions.
UNITED NATIONS (Web Desk) - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a renewed push for diplomacy, warning that the Gulf is facing "one of the most dangerous phases" amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim said the regional crisis could still be resolved through diplomatic efforts and reaffirmed Qatar's role as a mediator. "We remain convinced that the crisis in the Gulf can be resolved through diplomatic means, through reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime navigation, in order to avert war," he said.
The Qatari emir said Doha was doing "everything in our power" to resolve the regional conflict through diplomacy, while emphasizing that Qatar would continue to defend its territory and sovereignty. He described the conflict as the result of years of delays in finding diplomatic solutions and called for the creation of a regional collective security system. "In the absence of such a system, it has become possible for a war to erupt," Sheikh Tamim said.
His remarks came as the conflict continued to raise concerns over the security of critical economic and energy routes in the Gulf, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, a major passage for global energy shipments.
The war began on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran amid negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme. The strikes killed Iran's supreme leader, other senior officials and civilians. Iran subsequently launched attacks across the Gulf region, including against the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
Shortly after Sheikh Tamim's address, US President Donald Trump said American officials had held a three-hour meeting with an Iranian delegation on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Trump described the discussions as "very good". The announcement followed Trump's warning during his own UN address that he would "annihilate" Iran if Tehran failed to reach an agreement with Washington.
Qatar condemns Israel's actions in Gaza
Sheikh Tamim also condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, arguing that the conflict had broader implications for regional security. "There can be no talk of a just international order as long as Palestine remains in its plight," he said. "What has transpired in Gaza is genocide in every sense of the word."
The Qatari leader also reaffirmed Doha's support for the sovereignty of Lebanon, Sudan and Libya. On Yemen, Sheikh Tamim backed UN efforts to secure a comprehensive political settlement based on the outcomes of the UN-facilitated national dialogue. He said any agreement should preserve Yemen's unity and sovereignty while promoting security and stability.
