The region has been witnessing an unprecedented military escalation for over a month now, in which the State of Qatar and its neighbours in the Gulf Cooperation Council have been subjected to criminal drone and missile attacks launched from Iran. These attacks have resulted in more than a dozen deaths and a few hundred injured people across the region, apart from material damages and disruption to businesses, civil aviation, maritime traffic, and public life.
The State of Qatar has, for years, warned about the repercussions of unchecked use of force and disregard for international law and norms. Over the decades, it has made tireless efforts for regional peace, stability and prosperity. It is gravely unfortunate that Qatar has been attacked by Iran, despite its record of peace efforts and years of mediation to resolve pressing regional and global issues.
In a dangerous escalation of the conflict, critical civilian infrastructure like energy plants, power station, and water desalination facility have also been attacked. Qatar has repeatedly warned against attacking critical civilian infrastructure. In a dangerous turn of the ongoing military escalation, an oil tanker leased to Qatar Energy was attacked by a missile from Iran yesterday. Qatar Armed Forces intercepted another two cruise missiles, according to the Ministry of Defense. The global community has united in their condemnation of these Iranian attacks against Qatar and other counties in the region.
Under the wise leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has been steadfast and successfully protected its sovereignty and its people against these attacks. H H the Amir has also engaged with regional leaders for deliberations over regional security and stability. This week saw H H the Amir visit Saudi Arabia where he held discussions with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, as well as Abu Dhabi where he met President of the United Arab Emirates H H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These discussions between the leaders reflected fraternal relations and close partnership between the GCC countries.
These visits were significant and were closely followed by the international media. H H the Amir has also met leaders of Jordan, Ukraine, as well as several other top officials from several countries.
While Iran must halt its attacks on Arab countries forthwith, critical civilian infrastructure in the region must not be attacked or threatened in any manner.
