The renewed military confrontation between the United States and Iran is pushing the region into another dangerous phase. With no durable ceasefire, little mutual trust and both sides seeking to impose their conditions, renewed military action threatens not only the parties involved but also Gulf countries that have consistently called for peace, dialogue and de-escalation.
The targeting of Gulf states that are not parties to the conflict is particularly alarming. Iran’s renewed attacks against Kuwait represent a violation of sovereignty, international law and the fundamental principles of good neighbourliness.
Qatar has strongly condemned the attacks and reaffirmed its full solidarity with Kuwait and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its sovereignty and security. Doha has also warned that continued attacks risk complicating efforts to contain tensions and undermining diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring regional security and stability.
The principle should be beyond dispute: the territory of states that are not parties to a conflict cannot be treated as an extension of somebody else’s battlefield.
Iran claimed it targeting American military facilities and interests in the Gulf as targets in its confrontation with Washington. But the presence of such facilities does not diminish the sovereignty of the countries in which they are located, nor does it give Tehran the right to launch missiles or drones into their territories. Iran must respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbours. At the same time, Washington and Tehran must recognise that continued attacks and retaliation will not produce lasting security. Instead, they risk widening a confrontation whose consequences will be felt across the region.
Qatar’s position combines these two essential principles: a firm rejection of attacks against Kuwait and a call for an immediate and comprehensive cessation of military operations, restraint from further escalation and a return to dialogue and negotiations.
Countries that have consistently advocated diplomacy and de-escalation should not be forced to bear the consequences of a conflict they did not choose.
The Gulf has repeatedly called for diplomacy over confrontation. Those calls must now be heeded. Respect for sovereignty, an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to serious negotiations remain the only responsible path away from a wider and potentially devastating regional conflict.
The message from the region must be unequivocal: enough escalation.
Iran must respect the sovereignty of its Gulf neighbours, Gulf security cannot be built on missiles crossing borders or an endless cycle of retaliation. Restraint, respect for international law and serious negotiations toward a durable ceasefire remain the only viable path forward.
