Qatar crisis: Key questions explained

France, Britain are encouraging the two sides to hold discussions.

How is Qatar coping with the economic boycott?
Iran and Turkey have sent ships and planes loaded with food, but that won't be enough as prices of essentials have skyrocketed in the country.
How can Qatar end the crisis?
Gulf states are asking Qatar to scale back its support of terror groups by stopping funds. They want the expulsion of Muslim Brotherhood leaders and others linked to Hamas and the Taleban. They are also demanding that Doha rein in Al Jazeera, Qatar's media arm, which is promoting unrest in other countries.
What is Doha's response?
Doha says it has a sovereign right to pursue its foreign policy and has sought to internationalise the issue. It has called the boycott a blockade and has sent its diplomats to world capitals in an attempt to portray itself as a victim, which it is not. Economically, it has preferred not to retaliate.
What is the Gulf view of the tense situation?
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain say the crisis must be resolved at the regional level. All Qatar has to do is to come clean on its terror links, and stick to its commitments as a GCC member to protect regional security.
Who are the mediators trying to resolve the crisis?
Kuwaiti Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah made trips to Doha, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi to break the deadlock. Turkey is now involved in mediation efforts.
Will the row affect US military operations in the Middle East?
Qatar houses the forward headquarters of the US Central Command. Military operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East are planned and executed from there. The US has an air base in Al Udeid. 11,000 US military personnel operate from Qatar. A pullout could affect US military operations.
How has the US responded to the spat?
President Donald Trump has called Qatar a leading sponsor of terrorism but, on Thursday, the Pentagon went ahead with a $12 billion F-15 fighter jet sale to Doha.
What are other countries view on the stalemate?
France, Britain are encouraging the two sides to hold discussions.
Are Saudi Arabia and the UAE considering regime change in Doha?
The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has called for 'cooler' heads in Qatar, which means the country should come to its senses because the GCC block is losing its patience with Qatar's foreign policy.
Will there be a military response, an invasion of Qatar?
Turkey has sent 3,000 troops to the tiny country, but there is no talk of such a campaign by Riyadh or Abu Dhabi. - Allan Jacob

• Qatar Crisis
• MENA