Summary

Qatar has credited its strategic defence partnership with the United States for safeguarding its resources amid recent attacks linked to Iran, Al-Jazeera reported. Majid Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the country's armed forces successfully thwarted nearly 90% of incoming attacks, demonstrating that Qatar “is not an easy target.” The spokesperson also clarified that Doha is not directly involved in ongoing mediation efforts. “Our efforts are centred on defending our homeland,” he said. “However, we have ongoing communications with all parties, including the mediators as well as other regional players." "What we should emphasise here is that we totally support the endeavours made by Pakistan, and we hope it will bear fruit and bring about permanent peace and stability in the region,” Ansari added. Also Read: Iran Attacks Kuwaiti Oil Tanker As Trump Expands US Threats Calling for restraint, Qatar urged all sides to avoid targeting critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy and nuclear sectors. “We are against any escalation. Any further escalation will mean more losses for all parties,” Majid Al Ansari said. According to a Al-Jazeera report, the spokesperson said that Qatar has taken diplomatic action against Iran by expelling several diplomats. “We see attacks on Qatar as having a catastrophic effect on the relationship between the two countries.We will find a way to work together, but the choice to drag us into the war has caused tensions,” the spokesperson said. Also Read: 'Once In A Generation Opportunity': White House Spox Flags Iran's Now-Or-Never Moment For Truce The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also stated that the future of the Strait of Hormuz should be decided by the entire region. He said that many red lines have been crossed in the Iranian attacks. “The closer the parties get to the negotiating table, the better it will be for the region. Iran is a neighbouring country, and a way must be found to coexist,” he further said. Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.