Gulf States, Iran, and Qatar Relations

The Gulf States and GCC

  • "Gulf states" primarily refer to the 6 countries forming the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

  • Known for oil wealth, reliance on foreign workers, and conservative Islamic cultures.

  • GCC formed for unity among members with common objectives and similar political/cultural identities.

  • Iran is the only Gulf Arab state not a GCC member.

The Intra-Gulf Crisis (2017)

  • Started in late May 2017 with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt imposing an economic blockade against Qatar.

  • Accusations against Qatar included covert support for "terrorist" organizations and restoring relations with Iran.

  • Qatar faced land, air, and sea blockade.

  • Iran saw the blockade as an opportunity to weaken rivals and improve relations with Qatar.

  • Iran, though not a main actor, was a key justification for the blockade and a main supporter of Qatar.

Theoretical Framework: Qatar-Iran Relations

  • Best explained by the Theory of Strategic Hedging.

  • Qatar maintains a pragmatic, balanced approach, balancing regional interests/alliances with cooperation with Iran for economic benefits and geopolitical stability.

  • Qatar diversifies its foreign policy, maintaining relationships with rivals and partners to maximize security and prosperity.

Iran-Qatar Relations: Pre-Crisis & Disparities

  • Differ in population, land, geography, ideological belief, and foreign policy.

  • Qatar's relations with Iran were tense due to its close ties with the U.S.

  • Proxy violent conflict evidenced by missiles launched towards Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on 22 June 2025 in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

  • Prior to the crisis, Qatar participated in the Saudi-led Yemen war and reduced diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 to appease Saudi Arabia.

Iran-Qatar Relations: Post-Crisis Improvement

  • Iran quickly supported Qatar, seeing an opportunity to weaken Saudi influence.

  • Improved relations led to direct communication.

  • Iran approved Qatar Airways' use of Iranian airspace, bypassing the blockade.

  • Iran sent food supplies to Qatar, mitigating the blockade's impact.

  • Iranian shipping companies began transport services to Qatar, boosting its transport sector.

  • A shared natural gas field (North Field/South Pars) exists between Qatar and Iran.

    • World's largest natural gas deposits, covering 9700 km^2 total, with 3700 km^2 in Iranian waters and 6000 km^2 in Qatari waters.

  • Growing bilateral ties increased grievances between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Regional Alliances: Risks & Opportunities

  • Iran aims to increase relations with Qatar to penetrate the region.

  • The U.S. seeks to contain Iran's influence through allies like Saudi Arabia and Israel.

  • This complicates Qatar-Iran relations, as Qatar is a U.S. ally.

  • Iran emerged as a "temporary winner" in the GCC crisis due to its increased relations with Qatar.

  • The blockade's unintended consequences dashed GCC countries' hopes of Qatar breaking ties with Iran.

Conclusion

  • The increased bilateral relationship between Qatar and Iran demonstrates Qatar's independent foreign policy.

  • Continued diplomatic and trade relations are likely due to mutual vulnerabilities.

  • Qatar needs Iran for food supply, ports, and airspace to maintain economic activities.

  • Iran needs Qatar's support to penetrate the Gulf and exert its regional power.