For Qatar, the unthinkable has happened. Iran retaliated against the joint Israeli-US attacks launched on 28 February by firing a barrage of missiles and drones across the Gulf region. The Iranian attacks have targeted vital energy infrastructure and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz. While Arab GCC states Saudi Arabia and the UAE can rely on pipeline diversions (MEES, 6 March), Qatar is wholly dependent on the strait for its energy exports.
On 2 March, QatarEnergy announced that “due to military attacks on QatarEnergy’s operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products.” On 4 March, QatarEnergy declared force majeure on its operations. (CONTINUED - 2055 WORDS)
