Qatar Warns Military Attack on Iran Could Further Unravel Middle East

JAKARTA - The Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) series in Davos, Switzerland, that military action against Iran would only increase instability throughout the Middle East region.

Sheikh Mohammed's warning came by comparing the situation in Iraq when highlighting the risks of external military intervention, amid the US President's anger against Iran following the loss of life in the country.

He said Qatar always believed there was "room for diplomacy" and "escalation would have consequences."

"This was tried in Iraq 20 years ago and failed. We don't want to see a military escalation in our region," he said, launching The National (22/1).

"What worries me is the increasing tension in this region, whether it's the Gaza war or what's happening with Iran. Any other front in this region can explode if we don't deal with it," he explained.

In a discussion with the President and Chief Executive of the World Economic Forum Borge Brende, Sheikh Mohammed called for a new "regional security architecture" in the Middle East so that countries do not feel threatened by each other.

"A lot of positive things happened last year," he said.

"In Syria we have a (new) President (Ahmad Al Shara), in Lebanon we have a new government. The war in Gaza has almost stopped, but unfortunately, we still see the killings continue," he continued.

"We are in a better place, but that does not mean this region is moving towards stabilization. Until now there are still many uncertainties," said Sheikh Mohammed.

Regarding the US-led Peace Council, he said the council represented "a way" to help Gaza achieve stability as the ceasefire continued, although he highlighted concerns about the continued deaths of Palestinians.

"The first phase of implementing the agreement does not mean that the agreement has been completed," said Sheikh Mohammed, who is also Qatar's Foreign Minister.

"All countries that join the Peace Council must work hard and ensure that the Peace Council becomes a stabilizing factor," he continued.

"We are happy to contribute to peace and stability in our region at this time. There are many challenges, but we have no alternative at this time. The important thing is to ensure that Gaza is stable and the withdrawal of Israeli forces and that the community can return to their lives," he said.