WorldPosted at: Oct 13 2026 5:30PM


Qatar emir calls for stronger Gulf shipping security, condemns Iran attacks

Doha, Oct 13 (UNI) Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday called for intensified efforts to secure shipping in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iranian attacks on Qatar as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty.
Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's annual session, the first since the war with Iran began, Sheikh Tamim said the security of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states could not be compromised and urged greater regional and international cooperation to protect vital waterways and energy infrastructure.
“Efforts must be doubled to secure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and to protect energy facilities and civilian infrastructure,” he said.
Qatar, which accounts for about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, has faced major disruptions to its energy exports following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to its Ras Laffan energy hub.
“Anything that affects Qatar is quickly reflected in markets and consumers everywhere,” Sheikh Tamim said, warning of the broader implications of disruptions to the country's energy supplies.
He said the impact on the economy has been concentrated mainly in the energy sector, while work on expanding Qatar's North Field gas development continued as planned. The Golden Pass LNG project in the United States has also made significant progress, he added.
Qatar's economy grew by 2.9% in 2025, while average inflation stood at 0.5%, Sheikh Tamim said, urging institutions and citizens to prepare for further uncertainty.
“We must be ready for the worst possibilities, and everyone must bear their responsibilities, institutions and citizens,” he said.
Sheikh Tamim said the attacks attributed to Iran violated Qatar's sovereignty, international law and principles of good-neighbourliness. He praised the country's armed forces and security services for defending the state.
“Our adherence to dialogue and peaceful solutions does not mean leniency in defending our country,” he said, adding that Qatar's right to defend its sovereignty did not conflict with its efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading.
QatarEnergy halted LNG production in early March after drones struck facilities in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan. Qatar's defence ministry said the drones originated from Iran.
Seeing the challenges that the world has witnessed during the Iran war , the emir outlined a four-part strategy focused on defending the country without being drawn into a wider war, maintaining essential services and supply chains, supporting efforts to end the fighting and reopen waterways, and pursuing diplomatic negotiations.
“We urge negotiation to reach peaceful solutions to the conflict,” he said.
Sheikh Tamim added that Qatar would emerge from the crisis more resilient, citing the cohesion of state institutions during what he described as exceptional regional circumstances.
“The security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the preservation of their sovereignty are matters that cannot be compromised on,” Sheikh Tamim said, calling for continued cooperation among Gulf states and their international partners.
He said regional and global security were closely linked and pledged to work with regional and international allies to maintain stability.
Turning to Gaza, the emir described Israel's military campaign there as genocide and called for accountability for those responsible. He also condemned attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, saying they took place under the protection of the Israeli army.
“The Palestinian cause remains at the top of our priorities,” he said.
Sheikh Tamim also reaffirmed Qatar's support for efforts to address conflicts in Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia.UNI AAB
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