Muslim Reform Movement co-founder Dr. Zuhdi Jasser has accused Qatar of maintaining a covert alliance with Iran, despite the Gulf state’s official alignment with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Speaking on Life, Liberty & Levin, Jasser argued that Qatar’s ties to Iran are far deeper than publicly acknowledged, citing both historical and recent cooperation. Before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Doha and Tehran maintained friendly relations, and in recent years, the two countries have strengthened their partnership in oil and gas ventures.

“Qatar is in bed with Iran,” Jasser said, warning that this quiet partnership poses strategic risks in the region.

The claim comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions. On September 15, 2025, Israel launched an airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, while just weeks earlier, in July 2025, Iran released footage claiming damage to a U.S. airbase in Qatar. These developments highlight a complex geopolitical web in which Qatar is seen by critics as walking a fine line between Western allies, regional blocs, and Tehran.

Analysts say Jasser’s remarks add weight to concerns that Qatar’s balancing act could undermine GCC unity and complicate Western security interests in the Middle East.