Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, said on Tuesday morning that the region has been hit by a series of extraordinary developments amid months of instability linked to the Iran war launched by the United States and Israel. Speaking to the Shura Council in Doha, he argued that these events had shown how firmly the country’s state institutions hold together.
Qatar has been drawn into the conflict, which began on February 28 and has set off a worldwide energy shortage. Iran has directly attacked the Gulf state several times, including a March strike on the Ras Laffan gas facility, the largest liquefied natural gas production site in the world.
Pre-war policies and a push for dialogue
Sheikh Tamim credited policies adopted before the war with allowing Qatar to absorb the fallout from regional instability. He said Doha still prefers settling disputes through peaceful channels and dialogue, but insisted that the security of Gulf Cooperation Council members is not open to bargaining. He added that protecting their sovereignty must not be compromised.
Strait of Hormuz and calls to protect shipping
The war has disrupted global supply routes, most notably the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively blocked since the conflict began. The Emir said efforts to safeguard maritime routes must be stepped up. He called for those efforts to be doubled to keep navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz secure, and to protect energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.
