Qatar warns global energy shockwaves from Iran war have yet to peak
Doha – Qatar’s deputy prime minister cautioned on Monday that the worldwide impact on energy markets stemming from the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has not yet reached its maximum, raising concerns about further disruptions to supplies, trade and growth. Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha on October 19, 2026, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as minister of state for defence affairs, outlined several threats facing Qatar and the broader Gulf region, including challenges to sovereignty and the stability of energy flows.
“We haven’t reached the peak with respect to energy,” he said, warning that additional repercussions could appear in the coming days and months.
His comments came as tension persists in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments worldwide, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the region. In March, Iranian missiles struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex, damaging facilities that are expected to take years to repair.
“We were surprised,” Al Thani said when asked about the attack, adding that there has since been “a lot of discussion with Iran.” He noted that Qatar has taken lessons from the incident to ensure that its assets are better protected against unexpected assaults.
Al Thani also warned against imposing tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. “Transit fees should not be applied,” he said, arguing that uncertainty over the waterway would ultimately affect consumers around the world.
Despite the hostilities, the Qatari official emphasized that communication with Tehran continues. “We never stop our communication,” he said, noting that the two countries remain in touch at various levels despite their differences. He described the pre‑attack relationship as one built on trust, citing shared offshore gas fields and long‑standing economic ties.
He expressed optimism that mediation efforts involving Qatar, Pakistan and Oman could lead to an agreement among the United States, Iran and other parties, including Israel. Al Thani said a lasting settlement would require a broader regional dialogue that includes Gulf Cooperation Council members, Pakistan and Turkey, in consultation with international allies. “We need to build this on trust,” he added.
The deputy prime minister also suggested that expanding economic cooperation with Iran could help prevent future conflicts, pointing to the post‑World War II reconciliation between France and Germany as an example. “Iran is our neighbour. We need to find ways to live with them,” he said.
Regarding defence, Al Thani highlighted Qatar’s long‑standing partnership with the United States, noting that more than 90 percent of attacks have been thwarted thanks to shared expertise and military capabilities developed over the past three to four decades. He said Qatar is continuing to expand Al Udeid airbase, which hosts U.S. forces and personnel from other partner nations. The base was targeted by Iran during the conflict, and Qatar reported shooting down two Iranian warplanes in early March.
Al Thani also announced plans for a new regional defence partnership that will focus on air defence, counter‑drone measures and cybersecurity, though he did not name the partners involved. “I’m happy to announce today also that soon we’re going to announce a new partnership,” he said.
He stressed that Qatar’s mediation role does not diminish its readiness to defend its territory. “Mediation doesn’t mean that we should not be ready for any defensive action from our side,” he concluded.