DOHA, Qatar — Qatar on Monday called on Iran to immediately cease attacks on its neighbors, describing Tehran’s actions against Gulf states as “unjustified” and counterproductive to finding a diplomatic resolution.
“Iran must stop the attacks immediately so that a diplomatic solution to the crisis can be found,” said Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatar Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing in Doha.
Al-Ansari emphasized that Gulf countries, including Qatar, are not part of the ongoing US-Israel–Iran conflict and should not be targeted. “Iran is attacking Gulf countries without any reason and must stop its attacks because we are outside the conflict,” he said.
The spokesman added that halting the attacks ultimately requires a decision from Iran’s foreign ministry. “Qatar will defend itself if necessary,” he warned. He also confirmed that Qatari authorities are maintaining ongoing contact with other Gulf nations to coordinate responses and ensure a de-escalation of hostilities in the region.
Al-Ansari reassured the public that Qatar’s strategic reserves of essential goods remain intact and have not yet been utilized amid the regional instability. He also stressed the importance of maritime security, warning that “any threat to maritime navigation and its freedom is a threat to us all,” highlighting concerns over potential disruptions in critical shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The call for restraint comes amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East, triggered by joint military operations conducted by United States and Israel against Iran that began on February 28. The attacks have so far resulted in approximately 1,300 deaths, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to regional reports.
In retaliation, Iran has carried out a series of drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military assets. Tehran has framed these operations as attacks on US military infrastructure in the region, but they have also caused collateral damage to civilian infrastructure, including airports, seaports, and commercial buildings, raising concerns about wider regional instability.
Regional observers note that attacks on Gulf countries risk drawing neutral states, such as Qatar, further into the conflict. Analysts also warn that repeated strikes targeting civilian and commercial infrastructure could disrupt global energy markets, since the Gulf region accounts for a significant share of the world’s oil exports. Any interference with shipping or fuel supply could drive up global oil prices and affect economic stability far beyond the Middle East.
Qatar’s government emphasized the importance of international diplomacy and the need for Iran to engage constructively in de-escalation efforts. “The priority now is to prevent further escalation and protect civilians and critical infrastructure,” al-Ansari said. He underlined Qatar’s readiness to cooperate with Gulf neighbors and international partners to ensure regional security.
The spokesman’s statements also reflected growing concerns over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing conflict. Previous Iranian strikes and US-Israeli operations have resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of civilians across multiple countries, heightening fears of a broader regional crisis.
As of Monday, diplomatic channels remain active among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with Qatar coordinating closely with regional partners to monitor potential threats and implement protective measures. Analysts suggest that strong regional cooperation, combined with international pressure on Tehran, will be essential to prevent further escalation.
The Middle East crisis, sparked by US and Israeli military operations against Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation, continues to pose a serious challenge to regional stability, global energy security, and the safety of civilians across multiple countries.
