Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called for a nuclear-free Middle East, blaming Israel for instability in the region. Speaking at a joint press conference near Doha with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Sheikh Mohammed condemned Iran’s missile attack on Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base. He called the attack a clear violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and regional peace.
Sheikh Mohammed said that direct talks between Hamas and Israel will begin soon to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. He expressed hope that Israel would not increase aggression by taking advantage of the ceasefire agreement with Iran. The Qatari leader also emphasized Qatar’s right to respond to the Iranian attack under international law but noted that Qatar has always acted wisely and cautiously.
He praised Qatar’s armed forces for successfully intercepting all but one missile in the attack. Sheikh Mohammed further revealed that Qatar contacted Iran at the U.S. request to mediate peace between Iran and Israel. While welcoming the ceasefire, he expressed concern over reported violations and urged all parties to maintain peace and prioritize diplomacy.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam showed solidarity with Qatar and stressed Lebanon’s desire for peace in the region. He said Lebanon narrowly avoided being dragged into the Iran-Israel conflict, highlighting the need to protect the region from further escalation.
Sheikh Mohammed concluded by condemning the missile strike as unacceptable, especially as Qatar was working to reduce tensions through diplomacy. He expressed hope that Iran would avoid aggression against Gulf countries and focus on partnership and peace in the future.