Qatar PM: Iran’s strikes target civilians, threaten global economy

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries, calling them a “dangerous miscalculation” that could destabilise the region and shake the global economy.

Speaking publicly for the first time since Qatar was hit by repeated missile and drone attacks, Al Thani told Sky News that the country is going through a “very difficult period,” while praising the professionalism of its defence and security forces.

“It is a big sense of betrayal,” he said. “Just an hour after the start of the war, Qatar and other Gulf countries have been attacked. We made clear that we were not going to take part in any wars against our neighbours. All the attacks on the Gulf countries - we never expected this from our neighbour. We have always tried to preserve a good relationship with Iran, but the justifications and pretexts they are using are completely rejected.”

While condemning the airstrikes, the prime minister emphasised that military escalation will only worsen the crisis and stressed that all sides share responsibility for ending the violence.

"We continue to seek de-escalation," he said. "They are our neighbours - it's our destiny."

Al Thani’s message was also directed at the United States, urging Washington to reduce tensions and warning that the entire region could be drawn into war. He stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable path out of the crisis.

“The miscalculation by the Iranians to attack Gulf countries has destroyed everything,” he said, adding that negotiations must now be resumed.

The prime minister rejected claims that Iran’s strikes were limited to military targets. He said international airports, water systems, and gas infrastructure have all been targeted.

“25% of the attacks are targeting civilian facilities. What has this got to do with the war? What do they want to achieve?” Al Thani asked.

He repeatedly highlighted the global risks, noting that events in the Gulf will not stay confined to the region. Qatar supplies around 20% of the world’s gas and is one of the largest global fertiliser producers. Any prolonged disruption in supply could affect markets, food security, and the lives of people worldwide.