Doha (TDI): Qatar has warned that any military escalation between the United States and Iran would have devastating consequences for the region, following renewed threats from Washington over Tehran’s crackdown on protests.
Speaking at a press conference in Doha on Tuesday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the country was deeply concerned about rising tensions. He stressed that any further escalation could have catastrophic effects not only for the region but beyond it as well.
Qatar has previously played a mediating role between the two sides. In June, Iran targeted the US Al Udeid air base in Qatar in retaliation for earlier American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Despite the unprecedented attack on its territory, Doha was able to use the situation to help facilitate a swift truce between Washington and Tehran.
The warning comes after the White House reiterated that President Donald Trump is considering air strikes against Iran in response to its handling of nationwide protests. Trump has repeatedly warned of possible US intervention.
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Iran has pushed back strongly against those threats. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran would respond forcefully, describing US military assets and shipping as legitimate targets in remarks aired on state television.
Meanwhile, the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHR) said it had confirmed at least 648 deaths, including nine minors, during the protests, while cautioning that the true number could be significantly higher, with some estimates exceeding 6,000.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, Washington has said diplomatic channels remain open, noting that Iran has adopted a different tone in private talks with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff.
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Ansari said Qatar continues to engage with all parties involved and remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution. He added that Doha believes there is still space for diplomacy and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
