Qatar has warned that any escalation of military tensions between the United States and Iran would have devastating consequences for the entire Gulf region. The warning was issued by Majid Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to AFP.
Speaking at a press conference in Doha on Tuesday (January 13), Al-Ansari said that heightened tensions could trigger disastrous outcomes not only for the Gulf but also beyond the region. Qatar’s remarks come amid growing threats of U.S. military action following Iran’s harsh crackdown on ongoing anti-government protests.
“We know that any escalation in this region and beyond would bring catastrophic consequences,” Al-Ansari said. “That is why we want to avoid it as much as possible.”
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have remained high following a series of direct confrontations last year. In June, Iran carried out an attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, one of the largest American military installations in the Middle East. That strike came after the United States launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Following the unprecedented attack on its territory, Qatar played a key mediating role in facilitating a rapid ceasefire between the two rivals.
Meanwhile, Iran has been gripped by widespread protests since last Thursday, posing one of the most serious challenges to the country’s religious leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Shah. The demonstrations have intensified domestic pressure on Tehran while drawing sharp reactions from Western powers.
On Monday, the White House stated that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering air strikes on Iran in an effort to halt the violent suppression of protesters.
Human rights organizations report that the death toll from the protests is continuing to rise. Despite prolonged internet shutdowns inside Iran, information is still emerging about the scale of the violence.
Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR) has confirmed that at least 648 people have been killed during the protests. However, the organization has cautioned that the actual number could be far higher, with estimates suggesting that the death toll may exceed 6,000.
Qatar’s warning underscores the fragile security situation in the Gulf and highlights the country’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict that could destabilize the region and global energy markets.
