Doha erupted in strong condemnation on Sunday after Iranian forces targeted Oman’s Duqm Commercial Port and a nearby oil tanker. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a scathing statement, labeling the assaults as a blatant violation of Oman’s sovereignty and a cowardly act against a key mediator in regional tensions.
The ministry’s official release highlighted Oman’s pivotal role in fostering dialogue between Iran and the international community. ‘These attacks represent an unacceptable provocation,’ the statement read, underscoring Qatar’s unwavering solidarity with all measures Oman takes to safeguard its security and stability.
Posted on social media platform X, the ministry detailed how the strikes undermine efforts to de-escalate crises through constructive engagement. One drone struck a workers’ accommodation at Duqm, injuring a foreign laborer, while debris from another fell near a fuel storage tank without causing further damage or casualties, according to Oman’s News Agency citing security sources.
Qatar’s Prime Minister’s advisor and Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majid Mohammed Al-Ansari, amplified the criticism online. He described the attacks as a perilous trend that endangers mediators, drawing parallels to previous threats against Qatar’s own diplomatic initiatives. ‘Targeting Oman is an assault on mediation principles,’ Al-Ansari posted, warning that such patterns weaken vital tools for peace and stability in the region.
Oman has swiftly denounced the incidents, vowing to protect its vital maritime infrastructure. As Gulf neighbors rally behind Muscat, the episode raises fresh concerns over escalating hostilities and their impact on global energy shipping lanes near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
This development comes amid heightened regional frictions, with Duqm Port serving as a critical hub for oil exports and commercial shipping. Qatar’s firm stance signals a united Gulf front against perceived aggressions, potentially reshaping diplomatic dynamics in the Persian Gulf.