Doha, 10 March 2026 (Qatar Tribune)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

ADVISOR to the Prime Minister and official spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari  has affirmed the State of Qatar’s support for all diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and ensuring the stability of the region.

Speaking during the ministry’s weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Dr Al Ansari stressed that dialogue remains the ultimate solution to crises, even in situations involving military escalation. He said reaching the negotiating table quickly and halting attacks would benefit the peoples of the region while strengthening international peace, security, and global economic stability.

He emphasized that any attack on Qatar is an attack on its sovereignty, noting that under the current circumstances, the priority is to repel the ongoing attacks before discussing mediation or political solutions.

He reiterated Qatar’s longstanding call for de-escalation in the region, recalling that Doha had warned years ago that uncontrolled escalation could lead to serious consequences. According to him, the Let me say with a very clear voice: targeting vital infrastructure, whether it be water desalination facilities, water tanks, food reserves, medicine reserves, or medicine production
facilities—any kind of infrastructure that sustains people’s lives—is a grave danger for the people of the region and beyond, whatever party is doing this. This needs to stop immediately. This region cannot take these kinds of attacks on its facilities.”
— Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari current situation represents a dangerous level of tension that could still be contained if parties return to diplomacy and dialogue.

Dr Al Ansari revealed that the only official contact between Qatar and Iran since the start of the conflict occurred during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He noted that Doha’s current focus is on defending the country while con
tinuing diplomatic efforts.

He also pointed out that Iranian statements expressing apologies and pledges not to attack Arab countries have not been reflected on the ground, citing attacks that targetedthe United Arab Emirates and Bahrain before reaching Qatar.

He stressed that Qatar will continue defending its territory and national interests. The spokesperson stressed that Qatar is maintaining continuous diplomatic coordination with member states of
the Gulf Cooperation Council through ongoing meetings and communications to ensure alignment on defense and political matters. Despite daily attacks, Dr AlAnsari said the Qatari Armed Forces have successfully intercepted and deterred most of them, preventing significant damage. Security situation in the country remains stable, thanks to precautionary military measures designed to protect critical infrastructure and civilian facilities.

Dr Al Ansari warned that the attacks have had repercussions for both the Qatari and global economies.

As a precautionary measure, Qatar temporarily halted production at some facilities –an unprecedented move in the country’s history — while technical authorities assess conditions for resuming operations. He cautioned that targeting energy facilities, shipping routes, and maritime navigation could have far-reaching consequences for global markets. Attacks on desalination plants, water reservoirs, food supplies, and pharmaceutical facilities, he added, could pose severe humanitarian risks to people in the region and beyond.

Dr Al Ansari stressed that targeting shipping lanes and maritime straits in the Arabian Gulf, including routes used for transporting oil, food, and medicine, is unacceptable and threatens regional and international security.

He confirmed that Qatar continues to maintain close coordination with partners,
including the United States, emphasising that strategic defense partnerships remain a key pillar of regional security and deterrence.

He noted that Qatari officials are in almost daily contact with US counterparts, while decisions on defence strategies and protection of facilities are made based on current developments on the ground.

Dr Al Ansari reiterated that Qatar’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, and that decisions regarding diplomatic relations or hosting international partners remain solely the prerogative of the Qatari state. He added that Qatar has received more than 57 calls from international leaders and ministers in recent days expressing solidarity and discussing ways to address the ongoing escalation