Doha, Qatar – His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, received a telephone call today, Thursday, from His Excellency Mr. Johann Wadephul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. The call focused on the dramatic developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions for regional and international security and stability. The two sides also discussed ways to resolve disputes peacefully to prevent the region from sliding into a full-blown confrontation.
Warning against targeting infrastructure
During the call, the Qatari Foreign Minister stressed the need for an immediate halt to Iran’s “unjustified” attacks against Qatar and other countries in the region. He strongly warned against the irresponsible targeting of vital infrastructure, particularly facilities related to water and food security and sensitive energy installations. Furthermore, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman emphasized the importance of strengthening international coordination and prioritizing reason and wisdom to return to the negotiating table. This would ensure environmental safety, freedom of navigation, and the stability of global energy supplies, which are now directly threatened.
Doha: Our sovereignty is a red line
This diplomatic move comes a day after firm statements by the spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majid Al-Ansari, who affirmed that Iran had crossed “numerous red lines” with its recent attacks. Al-Ansari reiterated Doha’s commitment to taking all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty against any aggression. He also emphasized that Qatar stands firmly against targeting civilian and vital infrastructure, which threatens the security of the entire region, while simultaneously calling for a comprehensive de-escalation.
The context of “reciprocal responses” and civilian casualties
Since the start of major military operations on February 28, the Gulf states have been subjected to a series of Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. While Tehran claims its operations are in response to US and Israeli attacks and target only military bases, the reality on the ground has demonstrated significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including airports, ports, and residential complexes, resulting in civilian casualties. Doha, through its engagement with international powers such as Germany, is seeking to curb this military recklessness. It also aims to ensure that vital economic facilities are not transformed into arenas for settling regional scores, given the highly complex international circumstances.
