The ruling coalition of Ennahda and Nidaa Tunis has adopted a neutral stance in the Gulf crisis triggered by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severing diplomatic relations with Qatar on June 5 and imposing a land and air blockade against it.
Abdelkarim Harooni, chairman of the Shura Council of Ennahda, the majority party in parliament, described Saudi Arabia's application of pressure in the Gulf as a painful step in terms of Riyadh's attempt to exert influence and be recognized as regional leader.