Qatar warns global energy shockwaves from Iran conflict have yet to peak

Doha, Qatar – Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, warned that the global energy shockwaves triggered by the US‑Israel conflict with Iran have not yet peaked, posing further risks to energy supplies, trade and economic growth.

During a speech at the Global Security Forum in Doha on Monday, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, outlined several threats confronting Qatar and the broader Gulf region, notably sovereignty risks and potential disruptions to energy supplies.

“We have not yet reached the peak of energy impacts,” he said, warning that further repercussions could extend over the coming days and months.

His comments were made amid ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments — after the United States and Israel conducted attacks on Iran on February 28 and Iran responded with retaliatory strikes throughout the region.

In March, Iranian attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex caused damage to facilities, with repair work projected to span several years.

“We were surprised by the attack,” Al Thani said, adding that extensive discussions with Iran have taken place since then.

He said Qatar has drawn lessons from the strikes to ensure all its assets are protected from any unexpected attacks.

Al Thani also warned against imposing tolls on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

“Transit fees should not be applied,” he said, noting that uncertainty surrounding the waterway will ultimately affect consumers worldwide.

‘We never stop our communication’

Despite the attacks, Al Thani said Qatar continues to maintain contact with Tehran.

“We never stop our communication,” he said, adding that the two countries remain in touch at various levels despite their disagreements.

He described Qatar’s pre‑attack relationship with Iran as one of trust, citing their shared offshore gas field and long‑standing economic interests.

Al Thani expressed hope that mediation efforts led by Qatar, Pakistan and Oman will help broker an agreement between the United States, Iran and other parties, including Israel.

He said a sustainable settlement would require broader regional dialogue involving Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Pakistan, Turkiye and international allies.

“We need to build this on trust,” he added.

Al Thani also suggested developing economic ties with Iran to prevent future conflicts, referencing the post‑hostility cooperation between France and Germany.

“Iran is our neighbour; we need to find ways to live alongside it,” he said.

US defence ties

Al Thani highlighted Qatar’s longstanding defence partnership with Washington, noting that more than 90 % of attacks have been prevented through shared expertise and capabilities developed over the past three to four decades.

He said Qatar continues to develop Al Udeid airbase, which hosts US forces and personnel from other partner nations.

The base was targeted by Iran during the conflict, and Qatar reported shooting down two Iranian warplanes in an early‑March attack.

Al Thani also announced plans for a new regional defence partnership, emphasizing priorities such as air defence, counter‑drone measures and cybersecurity.

“I’m pleased to announce today that we will soon reveal a new regional partnership,” he said, without naming the involved partners.

The deputy prime minister stressed that Qatar’s mediation efforts do not diminish its commitment to defending its territory.

“Mediation does not mean we should be unprepared for any defensive action on our part,” he said.

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