Qatar Warns of Escalating Global Energy Crisis Amid Iran Conflict

Doha, Qatar — Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has issued a stark warning that the global energy shockwaves stemming from the US-Israel war on Iran are far from their peak. Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha on Monday, October 19, 2026, Sheikh Saoud, who also holds the position of Minister of State for Defence Affairs, highlighted significant threats to Qatar and the broader Gulf region, including risks to national sovereignty and severe disruptions to energy supplies.

"We haven’t reached the peak with respect to energy," Sheikh Saoud stated, cautioning that further repercussions are anticipated "in the coming days and months." These remarks follow ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for international oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments, exacerbated by US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the region.

Iranian strikes in March impacted Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex, causing damage to facilities that are expected to require several years for repairs. "We were surprised," Al Thani commented on the attack, noting that extensive discussions with Iran have since taken place. He emphasized that Qatar has learned valuable lessons from these strikes, implementing measures to ensure "all of our assets will be protected from any unexpected attack."

Furthermore, Al Thani cautioned against the imposition of tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that "transit fees should not be applied." He warned that continued uncertainty surrounding this vital waterway would ultimately impact consumers globally.

Despite the attacks, Al Thani affirmed that Qatar maintains open lines of communication with Tehran. "We never stop our communication," he said, indicating that dialogue between the two nations persists at various levels, notwithstanding their disagreements. He recalled a relationship of trust with Iran prior to the attacks, citing their shared offshore gas field and long-standing economic interests.

Al Thani expressed hope that ongoing mediation efforts, involving Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman, would facilitate an agreement between the United States, Iran, and other parties, including Israel. He stressed that a lasting settlement necessitates broader regional dialogue, encompassing Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Pakistan, and Turkiye, in consultation with international allies. "We need to build this on trust," he added.

Suggesting a path toward conflict prevention, Al Thani proposed developing economic ties with Iran, drawing a parallel to the post-hostilities cooperation between France and Germany. "Iran is our neighbour. We need to find ways to live with them," he stated.

Highlighting Qatar's robust defence partnership with the United States, Al Thani noted that "more than 90 percent" of attacks have been thwarted through decades of shared expertise and military capabilities. He confirmed that Qatar is continuing to enhance Al Udeid airbase, which currently hosts US forces and military personnel from allied nations. The base itself was targeted by Iran in early March, with Qatar reporting the downing of two Iranian warplanes during the incident.

Al Thani also revealed plans for a new regional defence partnership, prioritizing aspects such as air defence, counter-drone measures, and cybersecurity. "I’m happy to announce today also that soon we’re going to announce a new partnership," he announced, without disclosing the specific regional partners involved. He underscored that Qatar's mediation efforts do not compromise its commitment to territorial defence, stating, "Mediation doesn’t mean that we should not be ready for any defensive action from our side."