Qatari Emir: US – Qatar relations tense, Iran is Islamic power

It was also reported on Tuesday that the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, had said that Doha has “tensions” with the Trump administration, and acknowledged that Iran is an “Islamic power.” Al-Arabiya reported.

“There is no wisdom in harboring hostility toward Iran,” he said, adding that President Donald Trump is facing legal issues in his home country as claims over his Russia links continue. The Emir made his remarks during a graduation ceremony for new army recruits, Al-Arabiya explained.

The Emir said Al-Udeid Air Base, which houses both Qatari Air Force and US Air Force, is protecting Doha from some neighboring countries, without mentioning any names. The military base, southwest of Doha, has long been a symbol of US-Qatari alliance, Al-Arabiya added.

The Emir also said relations with Israel are “good,” and Hamas is the official representative of Palestinians.

Hamas – either in whole or in part – is regarded as a terrorist organization by several countries and international organizations, most notably by Israel, US and EU, according to Al-Arabiya.