Qatar has called for moderation, communication, and regional cooperation in the face of growing tensions in the Gulf, cautioning against moves that would further jeopardize vital infrastructure and maritime security.
In a series of statements, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministryemphasisedthe urgency of de-escalation and diplomacy, highlighting the broader regional implications of ongoing hostilities. “The sooner we get to the negotiationtable,the better it is for the region,” the spokesperson said, underlining Doha’s push for immediate diplomatic engagement.
Raising concerns over critical infrastructure, the spokesperson warned, “We are calling on all parties to refrain from attacking energy and nuclear infrastructure,”signalingfears of a wider fallout if such facilities are targeted. The remarks come amid growing apprehensions about the safety of key installations in the region, which are vital not only for national economies but also for global energy markets.
The spokesperson further noted the risks posed to essential civilian systems,stating, “The threat on Iran’s desalination plants is a threat to the whole region.” This comment underscores the interconnected nature of Gulf countries, where disruptions to water and energy supplies can have cascading humanitarian and economic consequences.
On the question of maritime security, Qatar stressed that regional stakeholders must have a collective say indeterminingthe future of strategic waterways. “The future of Strait of Hormuz should be decided by the entire region,” the spokesperson said, referring to one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints.
Highlighting a broader consensus among Gulf nations, the spokesperson added, “Our understanding is that there is a unified stance in the Gulf on ending escalation.”
The statementsuggestsongoing coordination among regional powers to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Meanwhile, developments on the ground pointed to intensifying conflict dynamics. According to security sources, an airstrike struck a joint checkpointoperatedby the Iraqi Army and Shi’ite PopularMobilisationForces southeast of Mosul, raising concerns over the expanding theatre of conflict.
In a separate development, Italyreportedly refusedto allow the United States to use a military base in Sicily for Middle East operations,signallingpossible divergencesamong Western allies on the handling of the crisis.
Amid these developments, a message attributed to Iranian President Pezeshkian praised Iraq’s support,stating: “The Muslim people of Iraq stood bravely alongside Iran in this unjust war; a stance not imposed by geography, but forged by the unity of history, identity, and religious values.”
“I warmly shake the hands of the sons of the Iraqi people, the officials, and the mujahideen in the land of the two rivers. We value your steadfastness and take pride in our shared covenant,” the statement added.
The situation is still changing quickly, and as calls for moderationto increase, regional and international players are keeping a careful eye on developments.
(Input from ANI)