Qatar's Prime Minister Lashes Out at Iran Over 'Dangerous Miscalculation'
Qatar's prime minister has launched a scathing critique of Iran, labelling its recent retaliatory strikes on Gulf countries as a 'dangerous miscalculation that has destroyed everything'. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani expressed a profound sense of betrayal following multiple missile and drone attacks by the Tehran regime, which have intensified a ten-day conflict across the Middle East.
Regional Attacks Spark Outrage and Economic Turmoil
In an interview with Sky News, Sheikh Mohammed revealed that Qatar and other Gulf nations were targeted just an hour after the start of the war, despite Doha's clear stance of non-participation in hostilities against neighbours. The assaults, a retaliation to US-Israeli strikes, have involved hundreds of missiles and drones launched at civilian and military sites in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.
Key impacts of the attacks include:
- Damage to hotels, airports, and other civilian infrastructure.
- Thousands of individuals stranded abroad due to travel disruptions.
- Severe destabilisation of the global economy, with crude oil prices surging past $115 per barrel.
The prime minister emphasised that Qatar 'never expected this from our neighbour', highlighting efforts to maintain positive relations with Iran. He firmly rejected Tehran's justifications for the attacks, stating they are 'completely rejected' by Doha.
Call for De-escalation Amid Escalating Tensions
Despite the destruction, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed Qatar's commitment to seeking de-escalation and urged the United States to help reduce regional tensions. This appeal comes as the conflict shows no signs of abating, with recent incidents including:
- Loud blasts heard in Doha from Iranian strikes last week, prompting Qatar's foreign ministry to warn that Iran would 'pay a price'.
- Iranian aircraft, ballistic missiles, and Shahed drones being shot down in Qatari airspace over the past week.
- A NATO intervention where air defences intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Turkey, which veered toward an unspecified military base in Cyprus, home to British installations.
Global Economic and Social Fallout
The regional conflict has triggered significant economic and social repercussions worldwide. Fuel shortages have led to rationing and violence in import-dependent nations, such as:
- In Sialkot, Pakistan, a fatal shooting at a petrol station during panic buying resulted in one death and two critical injuries.
- Karachi witnessed another fuel queue altercation leading to a fatality.
- Bangladesh advanced university Eid holidays as an emergency measure to cut electricity use after Qatar suspended LNG deliveries, exacerbating energy pressures.
Sheikh Mohammed's remarks underscore the deep fractures in regional diplomacy, as Qatar navigates a 'very difficult period' marked by betrayal and conflict. The ongoing situation highlights the urgent need for international mediation to prevent further escalation and address the humanitarian and economic crises unfolding across the Middle East and beyond.
