Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said on Tuesday that the security, sovereignty and stability of Gulf states were non-negotiable, calling for greater efforts to safeguard maritime navigation and critical infrastructure following the recent regional conflict.
Speaking at the opening of the Shura Council's regular session in Doha, Sheikh Tamim stressed the need to strengthen security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, while protecting energy and water facilities and civilian infrastructure.
He said recent events had reinforced the importance of continued cooperation and coordination among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, warning that instability in one part of the world could not be isolated from the rest.
The emir recalled that Qatar had come under attack from Iran in what he described as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, international law and the principles of good neighbourliness.
He praised the country's armed forces and security services for fulfilling their duty in defending Qatar, stressing that resilience was not born in moments of crisis but was the result of prior planning and preparation.
"Our commitment to dialogue and peaceful solutions does not mean compromising on the defence of our country," he said. "Our right to defend our sovereignty does not contradict our determination to prevent the war from expanding."
Qatar calls for diplomacy and secure waterways
Sheikh Tamim said Qatar had faced multiple responsibilities during the recent crisis, including protecting its sovereignty, fulfilling its role in global energy security and the international economy, and keeping diplomatic channels open.
He said Doha had worked to maintain essential services, supply chains and economic activity while contributing to efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen waterways.
"We urge negotiations to reach peaceful solutions to the conflict," he said.
The emir also stressed that Qatar remained determined to protect its national achievements and would emerge from the crisis more resilient and better equipped to adapt to global changes.
"Our determination to build our nation and safeguard the achievements of our people is firm and unbreakable," he said.
Qatar emir condemns Gaza genocide
Turning to Gaza, Sheikh Tamim said Israel was carrying out a genocide against Palestinians and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
"What happened in the Gaza Strip was genocide, without question, and its perpetrators must not escape accountability," he said.
He reaffirmed that the Palestinian cause remained at the forefront of Qatar's priorities and warned of the dangers posed by Israel's continued aggression against Palestinians.
The emir also condemned Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, saying they were being carried out under the protection of the Israeli military.
Addressing other regional conflicts, Sheikh Tamim called for comprehensive and equitable political settlements to the crises in Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, stressing the importance of preserving their territorial integrity and ensuring security and stability for their populations.
Hormuz closure disrupts Qatar's energy exports
On the economy, Sheikh Tamim said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to energy facilities in Ras Laffan had disrupted a significant portion of Qatar's exports.
He said the economic consequences of the crisis had been concentrated primarily in the energy sector, highlighting the vulnerability of global energy supplies to regional instability.
Despite the disruption, the emir said Qatar's economy had recorded real growth of 2.9% in 2025, while average inflation remained stable at 0.5%.
He warned that the country needed to remain prepared for further challenges and urged both institutions and citizens to take responsibility.
"We must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios, and everyone, institutions and citizens alike, must shoulder their responsibilities," he said.