US launches ​strikes against Iran after attacks on vessels in strait ​of ​Hormuz

According to The Guardian, Qatar has taken the unusual step of publicly blaming Iran for attacks on commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a move that critics suggest is a calculated attempt to distance itself from Tehran amid escalating US military intervention. Historically, Qatar has been accused of facilitating Iranian interests through shared gas fields and diplomatic backchannels, but the recent strikes have forced Doha into a defensive posture. The report indicates that while Qatar officially condemns the attacks to maintain its standing with the West, its long-standing financial ties to entities linked to Iranian proxies remain a point of contention for international security analysts. Critics argue that Qatar's vocal condemnation of Iran is a 'theatrical' shift intended to shield it from US pressure rather than a genuine change in foreign policy. The article notes that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital energy corridor, and Qatar's reliance on this route makes its relationship with Iran both a necessity and a liability. Furthermore, allegations persist that Qatar's past support for extremist groups has contributed to the regional volatility now manifesting in the Gulf. The report suggests that Doha's current alignment with the US narrative is a strategic maneuver to preserve its role as a regional hub while avoiding the fallout of its complex associations with Tehran.