Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has called for intensified measures to protect Gulf waterways and critical infrastructure, following months of regional turmoil stemming from the United States-Israeli war on Iran.
Speaking before the Shura Council in Doha on Tuesday morning, Sheikh Tamim stated that pre-war domestic policies enabled Qatar to withstand the fallout of the regional instability. He maintained that while Qatar prioritises dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, the defence of neighbouring states remains absolute.
"The security of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and the preservation of their sovereignty is a matter that cannot be compromised on," the Emir said.
The regional war, which began on February 28, has caused a global energy crisis and disrupted international shipping. Tehran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz since fighting commenced, choking key supply lines across the waterways.
"Efforts must be doubled to secure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and to protect energy facilities and civilian infrastructure," Sheikh Tamim told the council.
Qatar has been directly caught up in the hostilities and has been targeted by Iran on multiple occasions. These incidents included a strike in March against the Ras Laffan gas complex, the largest liquefied natural gas production facility in the world.
Addressing the impact of the ongoing conflict, Sheikh Tamim commended the resilience of Qatar's public bodies in managing the crisis. "Our country and the region have faced exceptional events that have once again proven the cohesion of state institutions," he said.
