Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye H E Hakan Fidan addressing a joint press conference in Doha yesterday. Pic: Rajan Vadakkemuriyil/The Peninsula
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region, warning that continued aggression risks plunging the Middle East into a broader and more dangerous conflict.
He called on Iran to comply with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which clearly require an end to such attacks and to the policy of escalating regional tensions.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs was addressing a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye H E Hakan Fidan, in Doha yesterday.
Addressing the strike on Ras Laffan, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs described it as a “sabotage act” reflecting an aggressive and irresponsible policy, and a dangerous escalation by Iran. He noted that Qatar had, from the outset, condemned attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure, yet the response was direct aggression against Qatar.
He firmly rejected repeated Iranian claims that the attacks were aimed at US interests or military bases in the region. “These allegations are unacceptable under any justification,” he said, pointing out that the most recent attack targeted a natural gas facility, an essential source of livelihood for the Qatari people and a critical provider of aid to millions worldwide.
“This facility is not only a pillar of Qatar’s economy but also a lifeline for millions of vulnerable people who benefit from Qatar’s humanitarian assistance,” he added.
“The war must stop immediately,” he said. “Everyone knows who benefits from prolonging it and dragging the region into conflict, and what is happening now only serves those agendas.”
The Prime Minister stressed that the ongoing war must be halted without delay, emphasising that the continuation of attacks only serves hidden agendas and fuels instability.
“This war must stop immediately,” he said, noting that it has become increasingly clear who stands to benefit from prolonging the conflict and dragging the region deeper into turmoil.
He cautioned that the expansion of hostilities would not yield any constructive outcomes but would instead lead to further escalation. Reaffirming Qatar’s longstanding position, he underlined that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path forward. However, he expressed concern that “wisdom appears to be absent in these days,” pointing to recent developments that have undermined regional stability.
Among these developments, he highlighted threats to maritime navigation and the safety of vessels in vital waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, describing such actions as a dangerous disruption to global trade and energy security.
The Prime Minister also addressed the series of attacks targeting both military and civilian sites over the past two weeks, including the most recent strike on the Ras Laffan energy complex. While confirming that no casualties were reported, he stated that teams are currently assessing the damage, warning that the attack carries serious implications for global energy supplies.
During the conference, he underscored the importance of unified regional and international efforts to condemn the aggression and demand its immediate cessation. He called on Iran to comply with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which clearly require an end to such attacks and to the policy of escalating regional tensions.
He further condemned attacks carried out against the Republic of Türkiye, describing them as part of a broader pattern of escalation that undermines regional security and stability.
The Prime Minister emphasised that regional security is a collective responsibility, urging all nations to uphold their obligations and act responsibly to prevent further deterioration. He reiterated the urgent need for an immediate halt to Iranian attacks and a broader de-escalation to avoid more severe consequences. He revealed that Qatar had taken precautionary measures early in the conflict, including evacuating targeted areas to prevent loss of life. While material damages are still being assessed, he stressed that “material losses can be compensated, but human lives cannot.”
Reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to diplomacy, he noted that the country had worked sincerely with regional partners, including Türkiye, to prevent the war against Iran. “However, these diplomatic efforts were met with continued aggression from the outset.”
He also highlighted ongoing consultations with Türkiye and expressed appreciation for its supportive stand toward Qatar during the crisis. Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s consistent call for dialogue, diplomacy, and a return to reason and wisdom while warning once again that the current trajectory serves only those seeking to destabilise the region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye H E Hakan Fidan reaffirmed his country’s strong support for regional stability and diplomatic solutions, stressing the urgent need to keep dialogue channels open to achieve peace.
Fidan emphasised that Türkiye’s stand is firmly rooted in maintaining open lines of communication, noting that dialogue remains essential to de-escalating tensions and preventing further deterioration of the situation in the region.
He warned that recent Iranian attacks on regional countries are causing deep fractures in relations between nations, which could prove difficult to repair if the escalation continues. “These attacks are creating divisions that may have long-term consequences for regional cooperation and stability,” he said.
The Turkish Foreign Minister revealed that ongoing consultations are being held with Qatar regarding efforts to halt the war, underscoring the importance of coordinated regional action to bring an end to the conflict.
Strongly condemning the Iranian strikes, Fidan denounced the attacks targeting Qatar and its civilian infrastructure, describing them as unacceptable violations that undermine regional peace and security. He reiterated Türkiye’s firm stand against any aggression directed at countries in the region.
Fidan further confirmed Türkiye’s support for countries affected by the attacks, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging all parties to pursue a diplomatic resolution. He stressed that military escalation will only exacerbate the crisis and deepen instability.
He affirmed that his country’s position is fully aligned with that of Qatar in keeping communication channels open to establish peace and address all concerns, warning that the current war is distracting the world from the tragedy of the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, amid Israel’s ongoing violations, in addition to the continued policies of occupation and destruction in Lebanon, and called on the international community to clearly assume its responsibilities.
Highlighting the strength of bilateral ties, Fidan noted that relations between Qatar and Türkiye remain robust and are built on a shared vision in addressing regional challenges. He underscored that this partnership continues to play a key role in promoting stability and cooperation amid ongoing tensions.
