Qatar PM after Gulf energy attacks: ‘This war must be stopped immediately’
Qatar PM after Gulf energy attacks: ‘This conflict needs an immediate halt’
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani delivered a strong message on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need to end the escalating conflict. He highlighted that all parties are aware of the primary beneficiary and the root cause of the ongoing disputes. Speaking in tandem with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Al Thani reiterated Qatar’s demand for Iran to cease its attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, warning of the perilous consequences for civilians and global energy stability.
Escalation following Israeli strike
Iran’s retaliation began swiftly after Israel targeted its main natural gas field on Wednesday. The attack sparked missile strikes across the Gulf, affecting facilities in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar’s critical Ras Laffan hub. Al Thani condemned the assault on Qatar’s energy infrastructure, labeling it a deliberate act of sabotage. He pointed out that Qatar had immediately criticized the Israeli strike, yet Iran’s response targeted the nation directly, escalating tensions further.
“We touched on the attack that took place yesterday at the Ras Laffan energy facility. Unfortunately, this act of sabotage reflects nothing but an aggressive and irresponsible policy, and a dangerous escalation by the Iranian side,” Al Thani stated.
The unrest is causing unease in international energy markets. Qatar and Iran jointly control the world’s largest natural gas reserves, making the region pivotal to global supply chains. Disruptions at Ras Laffan, the globe’s largest liquefied natural gas export site, are already disrupting energy flows. European gas prices have hit their highest levels since the conflict began three weeks ago, fueled by fears of supply shortages.
Global reactions and diplomatic efforts
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on social media that Israel acted independently and bore sole responsibility for the strikes. Turkey’s Fidan, however, framed the situation as a broader threat, calling it a “battlefield that endangers global stability.” Despite this, he noted that diplomatic talks are still in progress, with Turkish mediators engaging both Iran and the United States to reduce hostilities. Fidan added that nearly all nations are aligned in their desire to conclude the war quickly.
QatarEnergy confirmed that the attacks caused significant damage to its northern energy hub, intensifying pressure on an already unstable global market. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on preventing further disruptions and finding a swift resolution to the crisis.
