Get you up to speed: Qatar warns global energy shockwaves from Iran war have yet to peak
Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, warned that global energy shockwaves from the US-Israel war on Iran are yet to reach their peak, during remarks made at the Global Security Forum in Doha. He highlighted threats to energy supplies and sovereignty, amid ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz following recent military actions.
Repairs to facilities at Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex, which were damaged in Iranian strikes in March, are projected to take several years. Qatar continues to develop Al Udeid airbase, which has hosted US forces and was targeted by Iran during the conflict, and further defence partnerships are expected to be announced soon.
Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani indicated that tensions from the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran could disrupt global energy supplies, stating, “We haven’t reached the peak with respect to energy,” while emphasizing ongoing communication with Tehran. He also announced plans for a new regional defence partnership focusing on air defence, counter-drone measures, and cybersecurity, asserting that Qatar remains committed to both mediation efforts and the defence of its territory.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain which specific countries will be involved in Qatar’s upcoming regional defence partnership.
Qatar warns global energy impact from Iran conflict still to peak
News|Global Energy CrisisQatar warns global energy shockwaves from Iran war have yet to peak
Deputy PM calls for dialogue with Tehran, highlights US defence ties and rejects Strait of Hormuz transit fees.
Published On 19 Oct 202619 Oct 2026
Published On 19 Oct 202619 Oct 2026Doha, Qatar — Qatar’s deputy prime minister has warned that global energy shockwaves from the US-Israel war on Iran have yet to reach their peak, raising concerns about further disruption to supplies, international trade and economic growth.
Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha on Monday, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as Minister of State for Defence Affairs, identified several threats facing Qatar and the wider Gulf, including risks to sovereignty and disruptions to energy supplies.
“We haven’t reached the peak with respect to energy,” he said, warning of further repercussions “in the coming days and months”.
His remarks come amid continued instability in the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments – following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the region.
Iranian strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial complex in March damaged facilities, with repairs expected to take several years.
“We were surprised,” Al Thani said when asked about the attack, adding that there had since been “a lot of discussion with Iran”.
He said Qatar had drawn lessons from the strikes, “to make sure that all of our assets will be protected from any unexpected attack”.
Al Thani also warned against imposing tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Transit fees should not be applied,” he said, adding that uncertainty over the waterway would ultimately affect consumers worldwide.
‘We never stop our communication’
Despite the attacks, Al Thani said Qatar continued to maintain contact with Tehran.
“We never stop our communication,” he said, adding that the two countries remained in touch at different levels despite their disagreements.
He described Qatar’s relationship with Iran before the attacks as one of trust, pointing to their shared offshore gasfield and longstanding economic interests.
Al Thani expressed hope that mediation efforts involving Qatar, Pakistan and Oman would help produce an agreement between the United States, Iran and other parties, including Israel.
He said a sustainable settlement would require broader regional dialogue involving Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Pakistan and Turkiye, in consultation with international allies.
“We need to build this on trust,” he added.
Al Thani also suggested developing economic ties with Iran to prevent future conflicts, citing cooperation between France and Germany following decades of hostilities.
“Iran is our neighbour. We need to find ways to live with them,” he said.
US defence ties
Al Thani also highlighted Qatar’s longstanding defence partnership with Washington, saying that “more than 90 percent” of attacks had been prevented through shared expertise and military capabilities developed over the past three to four decades.
He said Qatar was continuing to develop Al Udeid airbase, which hosts US forces and military personnel from other partner countries.
The base was itself targeted by Iran during the conflict, with Qatar reporting that it had shot down two Iranian warplanes during an attack in early March.
Al Thani also announced plans for a new regional defence partnership, saying Qatar was prioritising several aspects including air defence, counter-drone measures and cybersecurity.
“I’m happy to announce today also that soon we’re going to announce a new partnership,” he said, without naming the regional partners involved.
The deputy prime minister stressed that Qatar’s mediation efforts did not diminish its commitment to defending its territory.
“Mediation doesn’t mean that we should not be ready for any defensive action from our side,” he said.