It appears Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and President Donald Trump have different views on how to deal with the situation in Qatar.
The crisis is a major diplomatic test for the United States, which is a close ally of countries on both sides but has given mixed signals on whether to isolate Qatar or bring it into talks with other Gulf countries.
"The nation of Qatar has unfortunately been funding terrorism, and at a very high level", President Trump said during an appearance alongside Romanian President Klaus Iohannis at the White House. "We have to stop the funding of terrorism". "Qatar can not agree with the United States in all the policies, for example Washington considers the Palestinian movement Hamas as a terror group while the Arab countries regard it as a legitimate resistance movement, the diplomat added". All except Bahrain barred Qatari flights from their airspace, compelling Qatar Airways to use longer routes over Iran.
"The blockade is hindering U.S. military actions in the region and the campaign against ISIS", Tillerson said, without providing details.
Saudi Arabia said its action followed the conclusions of last month's Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, where Trump delivered a speech about Islamic extremism.
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It's also a home to the forward headquarters of the US military's central command in the region. The national airline, Qatar Airways, has been a specific target.
He said the diplomatic rift has not interrupted or curtailed operations at al Udeid air base, a launching pad for USA military efforts in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
But the Pentagon has been developing contingency plans in case there is any interruption, defence officials said. Aircraft that fly out of Qatar - including fighter jets, drones and refueling planes - can be relocated, they said.
Bahrain joined Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and other states this past week in cutting ties with Qatar over what they say is the emirate's financing of extremist groups and its ties to Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional arch-rival.
"The state of Qatar, in accordance to its firm beliefs and principles, works on avoiding political conflicts with states and governments when dealing with their people", the ministry said.
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