Qatar Warns War in Middle East Is Near Point of No Return

US attack on Iran in Operation Epic Fury. (Twitter/@CENTCOM)

JAKARTA - The Qatari authorities on Tuesday warned that the current war in the Middle East is close to reaching a threshold where it cannot be controlled, after US President Donald Trump set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"We have been warning since 2023 that an uncontrolled escalation will lead us to a situation where the war cannot be controlled and we are very close to that point," said Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari, launching Al Arabiya from AFP (7/4).

"This is why we have urged all parties to find a solution to find a way to end this war before it is too late," he added.

Earlier, President Trump said on Monday that "the entire country" of Iran "can be destroyed in one night and that night may be tomorrow" if his ultimatum to reopen the strait at 00.00 GMT Wednesday is not met.

The Gulf states have faced repeated drone and missile attacks from Iran in recent weeks in response to US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28.

Iran itself has targeted hydrocarbon infrastructure in Gulf countries while effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, which is strategic for shipping, which usually carries a fifth of global oil.

Al-Ansari said Qatar faces dangers related to food, water and environmental security, explaining: "We are still on the verge of all these challenges."

"We hope to stay there and be able to return to a safer environment. But obviously we are very concerned about everything that is happening right now," he said.