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Qatar PM says Iranian attacks targeted international airport, drinking water storages
He explained that Qatar alone supplies around 20% of global energy, and on the first day of attacks, operations had to be halted, causing a significant impact on international prices
- PUBLISHED: Tue 10 Mar 2026, 5:34 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani described the current situation in the region as 'extremely serious', warning that it affects not only regional security but also global security and the stability of the world economy.
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He highlighted the impact of the Gulf crisis on energy markets and logistics worldwide.
In an interview with Sky News, he said, 'For this smallest spot in the world, the GCC is a major transit hub for the entire world. Between Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, there are only around 350-360 million passengers passing throughout the year. All of this has been disrupted because of this shake-up."
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He explained that Qatar alone supplies around 20% of global energy.
On the first day of attacks, operations had to be halted, causing a significant impact on international prices.
On the second day, he said attacks targeted the industrial complex, "forcing us to shut down a lot of factories and manufacturing plants that we have in the downstream, including the fertiliser".
He noted that Qatar is the world's second-largest producer of urea, representing 10% of the global market, with implications for food, agriculture, and food security in countries that depend on Qatar.
The country also produces 35% of the world's helium, a critical component for medical equipment.
The current situation in the GCC has serious implications for both regional and global security, he said, stressing the need for Iran to stop all attacks on Gulf countries and other states that are not parties to the conflict and for efforts to seek de-escalation and diplomatic solutions whenever possible.
He added that any future resolution requires the threats posed by Iran to be "cleared".
"We cannot remain like this, especially after this event, and stay silent while missiles are directed to us...We are not hostile countries toward them. We've always been trying to help and to support any efforts to find a diplomatic solution to lift the sanctions," he said.
He also expressed hope for the prosperity and stability of the Iranian people and for peaceful coexistence with regional countries, noting that ordinary Iranians are among the most affected by the unrest.
Regarding energy infrastructure, he said attacks occur daily.
"On a daily basis, around 40% of the attacks were targeted toward energy facilities, around 25% of the attacks targeted civilian facilities, and around 35% of the attacks targeted military facilities, including civilian ones.
He noted that the International Airport has been targeted many times, even drinking water storages being attacked," he said. Moreover, he questioned the purpose behind targeting civilian property.
He called on the conflict parties to stop the attacks immediately, stressing that Doha will continue dialogue with the Iranians and work to reduce escalation.
"What happened is really a huge shake-up for the trust in the relationship that we have with Iran. We will continue trying to seek de-escalation. At the end of the day, they are our neighbours."
Sheikh Mohammed added that no other country should have been drawn into the war, warning that continued attacks would prevent any external help and logical intervention, as every country would be focused on defending itself.
For the United States, he voiced hopes for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution that "addresses our concerns as well as their concerns".
In response from the UK and Europe, Sheikh Mohammed praised European partners for their political support and assistance in supply chain issues.
"The United Kingdom has provided outstanding support for Qatar. We have the joint squadron working together with our pilots, and we are very grateful for this partnership and for this alliance," he said.
He also defended Europe's role in the crisis, saying: "I don't know why they say that Europe doesn't do anything. Maybe on the general level, but on the level of bilateral relationships with us and with other GCC partners, we have seen them demonstrating a great friendship."
