Qatar PM demands immediate end to war, condemns Iranian attacks

2026-03-20 - 09:59

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has issued an urgent call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the region, while strongly condemning Iranian attacks on Arab states. Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed stressed that the ongoing war benefits no one and that those responsible for dragging the region into conflict are well known. "We stress the importance of the immediate cessation of Iranian attacks on countries in the region," Sheikh Mohammed said. "The war must stop immediately, and everyone knows who benefits from it and who is dragging the region into conflict." His remarks came as the Qatari premier also condemned Iran's attacks on Türkiye, describing Tehran's justification of targeting US bases as "unacceptable and unjustified." Energy Security and Regional Stability The Qatari prime minister warned that recent Iranian strikes have direct consequences for global energy markets, specifically pointing to an attack on the Ras Laffan gas facility. "This will have repercussions on energy supplies," he said, underscoring Qatar's critical role as one of the world's largest liquefied natural gas producers. Sheikh Mohammed characterized Iran's actions as a direct threat to the security and stability of the region, calling for an immediate halt to such operations. "We believe diplomacy is the first and final solution to conflicts," Sheikh Mohammed emphasized, reaffirming Qatar's longstanding commitment to mediation and dialogue as the primary tools for resolving regional disputes. Escalating Regional Conflict The Qatari premier's statements come amid a rapidly intensifying crisis that began with the US-Israeli joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, which has claimed approximately 1,300 lives, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting American military assets. These attacks have caused casualties, damaged critical infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation routes across the region. Sheikh Mohammed's joint appearance with Fidan underscored the close coordination between Doha and Ankara in addressing the escalating crisis, with both nations advocating for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomatic channels.