Doha, Qatar — Qatar’s deputy prime minister has warned that global energy shockwaves stemming from the military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have yet to reach their peak, raising acute concerns over international trade, energy supplies, and broader economic stability.
Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as Minister of State for Defence Affairs, outlined a series of grave threats confronting Qatar and the wider Gulf region. These hazards include direct risks to national sovereignty and cascading disruptions to critical energy shipments.
“We haven’t reached the peak with respect to energy,” Al Thani cautioned, warning delegates to expect further repercussions across international markets in the coming days and months.
The official remarks arrived against a backdrop of persistent instability within the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport. The waterway has experienced severe volatility following US-Israeli attacks on Iran that commenced on February 28, followed swiftly by Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the region.
Among the casualties of the conflict were facilities at Qatar’s vital Ras Laffan industrial complex, which sustained damage during Iranian strikes in March. Repair operations for the damaged infrastructure are expected to take several years to complete. “We were surprised,” Al Thani acknowledged when questioned regarding the assault, noting that Doha has since engaged in extensive discussions with Iranian counterparts and drawn critical lessons to ensure all national assets are thoroughly safeguarded against unforeseen aggression.
Addressing maritime commerce, Al Thani strongly cautioned against the imposition of tolls or transit fees on vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that any uncertainty or added financial burdens placed upon the waterway would ultimately rebound to harm consumers worldwide.
Despite the direct military escalations, Al Thani revealed that Doha has maintained active communication channels with Tehran. “We never stop our communication,” he stated, emphasizing that bilateral contact continues at various levels despite sharp disagreements. Before the outbreak of hostilities, he described the relationship with Iran as one built on trust, underpinned by a shared offshore gas field and decades of intertwined economic interests.
Looking toward a diplomatic resolution, Al Thani expressed optimism that ongoing mediation efforts spearheaded by Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman could foster an agreement between the United States, Iran, Israel, and other involved parties. He stressed that any enduring settlement must be rooted in a broader regional dialogue involving Gulf Cooperation Council nations, Pakistan, and Turkiye, in close consultation with international allies.
“We need to build this on trust,” Al Thani said, drawing a historical parallel to post-war Franco-German reconciliation. Advocating for closer economic ties with Tehran to forestall future hostilities, he added, “Iran is our neighbour. We need to find ways to live with them.”
Turning to security arrangements, Al Thani underscored Qatar’s enduring defense partnership with Washington. He noted that more than 90 percent of incoming attacks had been successfully intercepted and prevented through combined expertise and military capabilities cultivated over the past three to four decades. Qatar is continuing development at the Al Udeid airbase, a strategic facility hosting United States forces and personnel from other allied nations.
The base itself was targeted by Iranian forces during the conflict. Qatari authorities reported successfully shooting down two Iranian warplanes during an assault in early March.
In addition to existing bilateral arrangements, Al Thani announced upcoming plans for a novel regional defense partnership prioritizing advanced air defense systems, counter-drone measures, and enhanced cybersecurity capabilities. “I’m happy to announce today also that soon we’re going to announce a new partnership,” he remarked, withholding the specific identities of the regional partners involved.
Concluding his remarks, the deputy prime minister maintained that Qatar’s active diplomatic role as a mediator does not dilute its unwavering resolve to safeguard its borders. “Mediation doesn’t mean that we should not be ready for any defensive action from our side,” he said.
