Qatar says Gulf cannot rely on US alone for security

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said in Abu Dhabi on September 7 that Gulf states cannot depend on the United States and other international alliances alone for their security and need to become more self-sufficient.

Speaking at the Hili Forum in the United Arab Emirates' capital, the spokesman said having international forces in the region and a strategic alliance with the United States was important, “but is not enough”.

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

Qatar is a mediator in the US-Iran war and hosts the largest US base in the Middle East. It has also sustained Iranian attacks, especially on its energy infrastructure.

Iran has responded to US attacks by targeting American military sites and energy facilities in the region. After six months of conflict, Iran is disrupting traffic in the 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 travelled to Tehran last month as part of mediation efforts, after Iran and Oman said they were discussing a temporary shipping corridor and mine-clearing near the key strait.