Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari reaffirmed that the State of Qatar's position regarding mediation remains unchanged, expressing full support for the ongoing mediation efforts led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Despite not being directly involved, Qatar is focusing on self-defense amid escalating threats in the region and continued Iranian attacks.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Ansari emphasized during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs weekly press briefing that Qatar is prepared for all contingencies. He highlighted that the country has previously overcome greater challenges and expressed full confidence in the leadership to take all necessary measures to ensure the stability of its markets and economy.
He further stated that Qatar strongly condemns all Iranian violations of national sovereignty in the region. These attacks, which include targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, represent a dangerous escalation that complicates the crisis and introduces new challenges for the region.
Dr. Al Ansari noted that the Qatari armed forces have recently dealt with Iranian attacks, including drones, and affirmed Qatar's readiness to handle any potential scenarios and respond to any further hostile actions. He explained that communications with various parties, including the United States and Iran, have focused on warning against the dangers of targeting infrastructure, which negatively affects the peoples of the region, the global economy, and energy markets.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he stated that its closure constitutes a dangerous precedent and a clear violation of international law, directly threatening global security, supply chains, energy, and food. He stressed that the strait is a shared natural waterway that cannot be used as a tool of political pressure and called for its immediate and safe reopening.
On the topic of Qatari gas carriers, Dr. Al Ansari emphasized that all countries in the region and many international partners are suffering due to the closure of the strait. Qatar's priority is the safety of those working on these vessels and ensuring they are not exposed to danger in the absence of a clear mechanism for safe passage.
He added that the closure of the strait constitutes not only a violation of international law but also disrupts global supply chains and threatens global energy and food industries. This situation does not serve any party nor resolve any crisis.
Regarding calls for guarantees to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Dr. Al Ansari emphasized that the decision must be clear and not subject to political calculations. He stressed that no single party can claim exclusive control over the strait under any justification. Unlike the Panama Canal or the Suez Canal, which are under the authority of specific states, the Strait of Hormuz is a naturally open strait, and ships have always passed through it normally without the need for such measures.