Qatar–Saudi Arabia diplomatic conflict
During the first half of the 19th century, the Qatari peninsula was claimed alternatively by the House of Thani, House of Saud and House of Khalifa. On September 12, 1868, a declaration of Arab maritime peace, drafted by Sir Lewis Pelly was re-signed and re-affirmed. For the first time, Mohammed bin Thani, leader of the Guttur tribes, was asked to sign too, a move widely seen as the first international recognition of the sovereignty of Qatar.