Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a firm warning to Iran, declaring that Doha will not tolerate being treated as a bargaining chip amid ongoing tensions, including Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil trade passes). Speaking in Doha, spokesperson Dr Majed Al-Ansari insisted that any attack on Qatari sovereignty was unjustifiable and said his country had taken precautions to protect itself, while also reaffirming support for diplomatic mediation efforts led in part by Pakistan. The remarks came as Gulf Cooperation Council leaders gathered in Saudi Arabia to address the regional crisis, with Al-Ansari calling for a comprehensive political settlement that accounts for the interests of all parties, including Iran, and demanding the Strait of Hormuz be reopened immediately.