Qatar Warns Iran Attack on Ras Laffan Could Disrupt Global Energy Supplies
DOHA — Qatar on Thursday condemned Iran’s recent attack on the Ras Laffan Industrial City, warning that the strike could have far-reaching consequences for global energy supplies and regional stability.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani called the attack “unacceptable and unjustified,” rejecting Tehran’s claim that it was targeting U.S. military bases.
He cautioned that the assault on the key gas hub would impact energy markets worldwide.
“Iran’s attack on Ras Laffan… will have repercussions on energy supplies and affect millions of people around the world,” he said, noting the facility’s critical role not only for Qatar but for global energy distribution.
Sheikh Mohammed urged Iran to halt further military action and avoid widening the conflict.
“Iran must stop its attacks and not expand the conflict to the region; any expansion of the war will never enable stability,” he said.
The remarks came amid intensifying regional tensions, with Qatar and its allies expressing concern over escalating hostilities involving Iran and several Gulf nations.
According to Qatar News Agency, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a phone call with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, during which both leaders discussed the situation and the risks posed by continued escalation.
Starmer “voiced his condemnation and dismay at the targeting of the Ras Laffan Industrial City,” calling the actions a violation of international norms and reaffirming the United Kingdom’s commitment to Qatar’s security. He also emphasized the need for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
The leaders discussed ways to reduce tensions through diplomatic channels and strengthen international efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading further.
On Wednesday, foreign ministers from Qatar and several other countries — including Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates — held an emergency consultative meeting to address the Iranian strikes.
In a joint statement, participants condemned what they described as deliberate attacks involving ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential areas, and diplomatic sites.
“The participants stressed that these attacks cannot be justified under any pretext or in any way,” the statement said, adding that countries retain the right to defend themselves under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The group called on Iran to immediately cease hostilities, respect international and humanitarian law, and adhere to principles of good neighborliness as a first step toward de-escalation.
Officials warned that without swift diplomatic intervention, the conflict risks further destabilizing the region and disrupting critical global energy supplies. (Source: IANS)
