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Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani made the remarks at the Qatar Economic Forum in New York City. He stressed that Gulf states must collaborate to restore stability and assist in reaching a settlement between the United States and Iran. Al Thani indicated that the region would not return to its pre-war condition without arrangements ensuring no party threatens another. The event served as a venue for addressing diplomatic and economic priorities in the aftermath of the conflict.
“We are hoping this war is a wake-up call for everyone,” Al Thani said according to Bloomberg. “We have to act together responsibly as a region.” The prime minister added that the framework should pave the way for economic cooperation to rebuild stability. Bloomberg reported that his comments underscore Doha’s push for regional ownership of security matters rather than dependence on outside actors.
A comparable proposal emerged in June during an interview with the Financial Times in which Al Thani discussed creating security arrangements with Iran linked to future economic ties. Ahram Online reported that he characterized a suggested $300 billion investment fund for Iran as an aspirational target dependent on a comprehensive agreement with Washington. Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf welcomed the idea at the time provided it included enduring economic partnerships.
The war erupted on Feb. 28 with a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that Anadolu Agency said produced more than 1,300 deaths including high-level figures. Iranian counterstrikes targeted facilities in several Gulf states and imposed limits on passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry stated in April that solutions for the waterway must involve coastal nations and users without preconditions or threats to its security.
Doha played a mediating role in the lead-up to a June memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington that the Qatari Foreign Ministry described as addressing cessation of hostilities and freedom of navigation. The ministry added that the pact laid groundwork for further negotiations and sustainable peace. Earlier at the Doha Forum in December 2025 the GCC secretary-general told participants that the council sought constructive relations with Iran grounded in respect for sovereignty and dialogue according to Gulf Times.
Al Thani’s statements coincide with scheduled meetings between Gulf leaders and US President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly this week. Those talks are set to examine remaining conflict issues including energy export routes. Qatari officials have consistently advocated diplomatic channels to prevent renewed escalation across the region.
