Politics

Qatar’s Emir Praises Nation’s Resilience Amid Regional Turmoil

By Daniel Khalili-Tari

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani told the Shura Council in Doha that Qatar has shown resilience and cohesion during the months of instability caused by the United States‑Israeli war on Iran. Speaking on Tuesday, the Emir said the country’s response had demonstrated its strength. "Our country and the region have faced exceptional events that have once again proven the cohesion of state institutions," he said.

The war, which began on February 28, has triggered a global energy crisis and has seen Iran directly attack Qatar, including a strike on the Ras Laffan gas facility in March, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas production site. Sheikh Tamim said Qatar had absorbed the consequences of the regional instability thanks to policies implemented before the war, and that Doha prefers to resolve conflicts through peaceful means and dialogue. He also stressed that the security of Gulf Cooperation Council states and the preservation of their sovereignty are non‑negotiable.

The conflict has disrupted global supply routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively blocked since the start of the conflict. The Emir called for increased efforts to safeguard maritime routes, saying, "Efforts must be doubled to secure navigation in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz and to protect energy facilities and civilian infrastructure."

Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi reported that Sheikh Tamim used the address to reaffirm Qatar’s preference for ending wars and resolving disagreements through peaceful dialogue, while reaffirming the country’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. He noted that attacks on LNG facilities have hurt Qatar’s economy directly and cautioned against returning to the pre‑crisis state.

Sheikh Tamim also highlighted Qatar’s investment of more than $60 billion in infrastructure projects, public‑private partnerships and private sector investment, and said the country has a history of turning crises into opportunities. Rashid Al‑Mohanadi, vice president of the Center for International Policy Research, told Al Jazeera that in the last ten years Qatar has faced many challenges and usually comes out more resilient, hoping that after this war the nation will become stronger and more resilient.