Qatar's PM Al Thani calls for Gulf security framework including Iran

Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, told Bloomberg at the Qatar Economic Forum in New York on Monday that the Gulf cannot return to “business as usual” unless a security framework that includes Iran is put in place. He warned that without guarantees that no country in the region will be a threat to another, the Gulf will remain unstable after the war in Gaza and the recent flare‑ups between Tehran and its neighbors.

The call comes as the Gulf states grapple with a series of crises that have deepened mistrust. Since the October 2023 war in Gaza, Iran has stepped up its naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz and has renewed rhetoric about protecting Shia communities in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, Qatar has positioned itself as a mediator, hosting back‑channel talks between the United States and Iran and keeping diplomatic lines open with both Riyadh and Tehran. The region’s oil markets, shipping lanes and daily life have felt the strain of these tensions, prompting calls for a broader security arrangement.

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, who was not present at the New York event, said Riyadh remains open to dialogue but will not compromise on its core security concerns. The United Arab Emirates echoed a similar stance, emphasizing the need for any framework to address Iran’s missile program and its support for militias in Yemen. Iran’s foreign ministry responded by calling for “mutual respect and non‑interference,” but warned that it would not accept any arrangement that limits its legitimate defence capabilities. Analysts note that Qatar’s neutral reputation gives it a unique chance to bring the parties together, but they also caution that deep‑seated rivalries will make negotiations difficult.

Al Thani said Qatar will convene a Gulf security summit later this year, inviting Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman, with observers from the United States and the European Union. If the talks succeed, they could pave the way for confidence‑building measures such as naval hotlines, joint anti‑piracy patrols and a framework for resolving disputes without resorting to force. Failure, however, would likely keep the Gulf in a state of heightened alert, with the risk of accidental clashes threatening global energy supplies and regional stability.