Using Hormuz as "bargaining chip" would exacerbate crisis: Qatar urges Iran to move towards de-escalation

Doha [Qatar], May 2 (ANI): Qatar on Saturday urged Iran to adhere to provisions of international law, the UN charter, and prioritise the interests in the region amid the security situation in West Asia, with the need to support efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Sharing the details in a post on X, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said that Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi.
"Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasised that freedom of navigation is a well-established and non-negotiable principle, and that closing the Strait of Hormuz or using it as a bargaining chip would only exacerbate the crisis and jeopardise the vital interests of the region's countries. He noted the potential negative repercussions this could have on global energy and food supplies, as well as on the market and supply chains' stability", the statement said.
"In this context, the Prime Minister stressed the need to adhere to the provisions of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and to prioritise the interests of the region and its people to contribute to strengthening regional and international security and stability, and to support efforts to de-escalate tensions", it further noted.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs @MBA_AlThani_ Receives Phone Call from Iran's Foreign Minister

Doha | May 02, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call from HE Minister of… pic.twitter.com/rwV4cCgFsj

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) May 2, 2026

As per the statement, during the call, the Iranian Foreign Minister briefed the Prime Minister on the ongoing negotiations, their latest developments and the current diplomatic activity surrounding them.
Al-Thani affirmed the State of Qatar's full support for mediation efforts aimed at resolving the crisis through peaceful means, stressing the need for all parties to respond positively to these efforts in a way that helps create suitable conditions for progress in the negotiations and reduces the risk of renewed escalation. (ANI)