Qatar Energy Minister Rejects US Claims Strait of Hormuz Obsolete

Qatar Energy Minister and QatarEnergy CEO Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi rejected assertions by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that the Strait of Hormuz will become a worthless piece of water within two years. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum in New York City on September 20, Al-Kaabi argued that the waterway remains a critical transit venue for diverse trade and cannot become obsolete.

Bessent had previously claimed during a Group of 20 meeting on September 1 that the strait would lose importance as nations develop bypass pipelines to avoid disruptions caused by the Iran war. While Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are investing in alternative routes and ports to circumvent the corridor, Al-Kaabi stated that Qatar has decided against building new overland pipelines for commercial and technical reasons.

Al-Kaabi further explained that transporting liquefied natural gas via pipeline is economically illogical, as it would render Qatar's existing LNG facilities redundant. He asserted that the strait is vital for all Gulf countries and noted that Qatar is positioned to soon become the world's largest LNG trader by a significant margin.