Qatar Warns Global Energy Shockwaves From Iran War Have Yet to Peak
Qatar’s deputy prime minister warned on October 19 that global energy shockwaves from the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran have yet to reach their peak. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who serves as minister of state for defence affairs, said further repercussions were likely in the coming days and months. Al Jazeera
He was speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha. In March, Iranian strikes damaged facilities at Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex, a pillar of global liquefied natural gas, or LNG, supply, with repairs expected to take several years. Qatar has said it shot down two Iranian warplanes during an attack on Al Udeid airbase in early March.
Al Udeid hosts United States forces and military personnel from other partner countries, and Qatar is continuing to develop the base. Sheikh Saoud pointed to Qatar’s defence partnership with Washington, saying more than 90 percent of attacks had been prevented through shared expertise and capabilities. He announced plans for a new regional defence partnership focused on air defence, measures against drones and cybersecurity.
On shipping, he rejected transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying such fees should not be applied. Qatar’s leadership has called for redoubled efforts to secure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and to protect energy and water facilities, according to an official account of an October 13 address by the amir. Qatari Diwan
Sheikh Saoud said Qatar never stopped communication with Tehran and remained in touch at different levels despite disagreements. He expressed hope that mediation efforts involving Qatar, Pakistan and Oman would help produce an agreement between the United States, Iran and other parties including Israel. Qatar has said it will remain open to dialogue and exchange of views, according to an official account of the amir’s September address to the United Nations General Assembly. Qatari Diwan
