Qatar Says Gulf Cannot Rely on US Alone for Security

Gulf countries cannot leave their security entirely to the United States and international alliances, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman said in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

“ We need to realise in the Gulf that having international forces in the region, having a strategic alliance with the United States, is very important, but is not enough,” he told the Hili Forum. “Self-sufficiency when it comes to security is the only way forward. Yes, we need our partners. Yes, we need our allies. But we cannot depend on them alone for our security.”

Qatar has emerged as a key mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran, while also enduring heavy Iranian attacks, particularly against its energy infrastructure. The gas-rich country hosts the largest US base in the Middle East.

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We need to realise in the Gulf that having international forces in the region, having a strategic alliance with the United States, is very important, but is not enough.

Iran has retaliated against US attacks by striking American military sites and energy facilities across the region. After six months of fighting, the conflict has reached a stalemate. Iran is disrupting traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while the United States is pressing a counter-blockade of Iranian ports.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani traveled to Tehran last month as part of mediation efforts. Iran and Oman, which border the strait, have said they were discussing a temporary shipping corridor and mine-clearing measures.

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Self-sufficiency when it comes to security is the only way forward. Yes, we need our partners. Yes, we need our allies. But we cannot depend on them alone for our security.