Qatar’s prime minister has condemned Iran’s strikes on Gulf countries, describing the attacks as a “dangerous miscalculation” that risks destabilising the region and sending shockwaves through the global economy.
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke publicly for the first time since Qatar came under repeated missile and drone attacks, warning that the country had entered what he called “a very difficult period”. Despite the escalating situation, he praised the professionalism of the nation’s defence and security forces.
For a leader known for mediating complex international crises, his remarks reflected deep frustration over Tehran’s actions.
“It is a big sense of betrayal,” he said. “Just an hour after the start of the war, Qatar and other Gulf countries have been attacked. We made clear that we were not going to take part in any wars against our neighbours.”
Qatar has historically maintained diplomatic channels with Iran, even during periods of heightened tension. However, the latest developments suggest the relationship is now under strain.
Qatar–Iran Relations Under Pressure After Gulf Missile Strikes
Qatar has long presented itself as a global mediator capable of maintaining dialogue with a wide range of international actors. The recent attacks have placed that approach under significant pressure.
“All the attacks on the Gulf countries – we never expected this from our neighbour,” the prime minister said. “We have always tried to preserve a good relationship with Iran, but the justifications and pretexts they are using are completely rejected.”
While strongly criticising the strikes, he emphasised that escalating military action would worsen the crisis. According to him, all sides share responsibility for preventing further deterioration.
“We continue to seek de-escalation,” he told Sky News. “They are our neighbours – it’s our destiny.”
His appeal was not aimed solely at Tehran. He also urged the United States to work towards lowering tensions, warning that the region risks being pulled into a broader conflict.
Global Energy And Food Markets At Risk If Gulf Conflict Escalates
The prime minister argued that diplomacy remains the only workable solution to the crisis, despite the anger over the attacks.
“The miscalculation by the Iranians to attack Gulf countries has destroyed everything,” he said, while stressing that renewed negotiations are essential.
He also rejected claims that the strikes were limited to military targets. According to him, infrastructure including international airports, water utilities and gas facilities has been targeted.
“25% of the attacks are targeting civilian facilities. What has this got to do with the war? What do they want to achieve?”
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The stakes, he warned, extend far beyond the Middle East.
Qatar supplies around 20% of the world’s natural gas and ranks among the globe’s largest fertiliser producers. Any prolonged disruption could therefore affect energy markets, food production and supply chains worldwide.
Even though Gulf nations insist the conflict is not theirs, they are increasingly being drawn into it.
A confrontation that began between the United States, Israel and Iran is now pulling neighbouring states closer to the front lines — raising fears that the crisis could widen across the region.
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