Source: Government of Qatar
Doha, June 17, 2025
Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that Israel’s attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran represents an uncalculated escalation with serious consequences for regional security, which is already strained and cannot handle further crises.
During the Ministry’s weekly press briefing, Al Ansari highlighted the State of Qatar’s deep concern over the situation, describing it as a new chapter in an ongoing pattern of provocations. He pointed out that, while countries across the region are making efforts to de-escalate various tensions, one regional actor continues to be the main source of instability and is undermining every peace effort.
He strongly criticized what he described as an uncalculated attack on nuclear and energy infrastructure, warning that this move could have far-reaching impacts on both global energy markets and regional security. He particularly highlighted the strategic significance of Gulf waters, not only as a local water source but also as a crucial artery for the world’s energy supply.
Al Ansari mentioned that, for the first time in over seven years, the region was witnessing real diplomatic momentum in talks between Iran and the United States, momentum that the State of Qatar and other countries were supporting. However, he cautioned that the current escalation could derail these efforts. He reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s commitment to working with both regional and international partners to help return to dialogue and avoid an unpredictable regional war.
He explained the region’s importance by citing that nearly 30% of the world’s exports of oil and fertilizers, and about 25% of its natural gas, pass through this area and the Strait of Hormuz.
He expressed confidence in the State of Qatar’s economy, highlighting that things remain very stable. He also noted that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change announced yesterday that it had not detected any pollution in the water. He added that the government is monitoring the situation closely and, for now, water safety is intact and maritime movement in the Strait of Hormuz is normal, with energy exports proceeding without disruption.
When asked about contingency plans, he said that the State of Qatar has them in place and for various scenarios covering both the energy sector and public safety. He noted that the State of Qatar has consistently demonstrated readiness and resilience during past regional crises.
Despite the current calm in shipping and energy flow, he warned that any continued escalation could trigger dangerous and unforeseen consequences.
He also highlighted that the State of Qatar is in constant contact with its regional and international allies, aiming to end the crisis and facilitate dialogue. According to him, the country is actively engaged in mediation efforts to bring all sides closer together and reach a peaceful resolution to this dangerous escalation.
Al Ansari stressed that the region’s most urgent challenge now is escalation. He warned that if these tensions are not curbed, the consequences could be increasingly negative. That’s why, he added, all efforts must focus on crisis prevention.
Regarding Israel’s strike on Iran’s side of the South Pars gas field, He described the strike as a serious concern. He noted that many international companies operate in these energy fields and employ people from various countries. He said that, despite the State of Qatar’s energy infrastructure remaining unaffected and exports continuing normally, the targeting of the field has raised legitimate fears across the region about global energy supply security.
On Gaza, he confirmed that the State of Qatar’s mediation efforts toward a ceasefire were still underway. But he acknowledged that regional escalations, especially the latest confrontation between Iran and Israel, were severely hampering progress on multiple diplomatic fronts, including Gaza.
He raised alarm regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying that the situation has been deteriorating since early March. Of particular concern, he noted, is the repeated targeting of civilians seeking humanitarian aid. He stressed that the only way to address this crisis is to allow the unconditional entry of aid into Gaza and enable international organizations to distribute it. Al-Ansari dismissed justifications for blocking aid as weak and disconnected from the reality on the ground.
Spokesperson Al Ansari addressed the recent diplomatic outreach conducted by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He noted that since last Friday and up to Monday, His Excellency made numerous phone calls with his counterparts, including Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abbas Araghchi. During that call, HE the Prime Minister extended the State of Qatar’s condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized that the State of Qatar would work with both regional and international partners to urgently halt the aggression against Iran and spare the region from its potentially disastrous consequences.
He also highlighted that HE the Prime Minister held conversations with several high-level officials, including UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdelatty; Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ayman Safadi, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani; Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand; and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
He also highlighted HE the Prime Minister’s expressing the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the repeated Israeli violations and attacks in the region during these conversations, stressing that such actions undermine peace efforts. He called for unified regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.
The Spokesperson added that HE the Prime Minister hosted German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Saturday in Doha. Their meeting focused on regional developments and enhancing international peace and security.
In a related development, He said that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi held a phone call with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to discuss the recent Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and the need to bolster nuclear site security. Dr. Al Khulaifi stressed during the call that targeting such facilities poses a serious threat to regional and global peace, reaffirming that Qatar is working actively with its partners to return to dialogue and promote lasting security and stability.
Al Ansari also noted that last Thursday marked the opening of the third Qatar-France Strategic Dialogue, held in Paris. The session was co-chaired by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot. One of the key outcomes of the meeting was mutual appreciation for the progress made since HH the Amir’s state visit to France in February last year, which paved the way for new cooperation initiatives across multiple sectors. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic partnerships.
On the sidelines of the dialogue, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and addressed regional developments, particularly the ongoing challenges surrounding the Gaza Strip.
He further noted that Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met today with Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees). Their meeting focused on enhancing the collaboration between Qatar and UNRWA.
Additionally, on Monday, Minister Al Misnad also met with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hadjivassiliou to discuss bilateral cooperation
