Iran's Gambit to Embarrass Herzog Backfires as Qatar's Actions Spark Controversy

During an international conference in Azerbaijan, five delegations reportedly walked out of the hall ahead of Israeli President Isaac Herzog's speech. However, the actions of Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, generated significant controversy, with Iranian media presenting a narrative that differed from eyewitness accounts.

Iranian media claimed that the Emir of Qatar left the hall during Herzog's speech. This account, however, was disputed by attendees who stated that the Emir remained. The discrepancy has raised questions about Iran's motives for highlighting Qatar's stance toward Israel. The original Iranian report has not been independently verified, and it remains unclear if the report referred to the Emir himself or other members of the Qatari delegation. It is possible that other Qatari delegates exited the hall while the Emir stayed. Qatar has not yet issued an official statement to reconcile the differing accounts.

Analysts suggest that Iran may have an interest in portraying Qatar as taking a strong public stance against Israel. This narrative could help the Iranian regime justify its continued ties with Qatar to its domestic audience and to factions opposed to Israel. Qatar is considered an important regional partner for Iran, partly due to its ability to maintain contacts with entities that Iran struggles to engage with directly. This interpretation is a possible explanation for the reporting and not definitive proof of official Iranian direction.

The summit brought together representatives from nations with significant political disagreements. According to the seating plan, President Herzog and the Iranian representative were seated on the same side of the discussion table, separated by four seats, including those of the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Bahrain. The Emir of Qatar was seated on the opposite side of the host, President Ilham Aliyev.

During his visit to Azerbaijan, President Herzog met with President Aliyev to discuss strengthening strategic relations and regional stability. He also met with Bahrain's Foreign Minister to discuss expanding regional cooperation and the Abraham Accords. Azerbaijan maintains close relations with Israel, as well as with Turkey and Iran.

The visit also drew attention in Turkey when it was revealed that Herzog traveled on an Azerbaijan Airlines flight that transited through Turkish airspace, despite restrictions on Israeli government flights. A Turkish official stated that Ankara was not informed of the Israeli president's presence on the plane. Herzog departed Israel on a commercial flight operated by the Azerbaijani company, which was permitted to fly through Turkish airspace under commercial flight regulations, unlike Israeli government aircraft. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan did not attend the summit; his country was represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, whose delegation was among those that left the hall before Herzog's speech.