Brussels, March 19 (QNA) - The State of Qatar has participated in a meeting of the NATO Council with the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative countries, held at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels.

The session was chaired by HE NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska. Charge d'Affaires at Qatar's Mission to the European Union and NATO, Sara bint Ahmed Al Mohannadi, represented the country at the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Al Mohannadi welcomed NATO's stance condemning Iranian attacks and expressing full solidarity with Qatar. She said Doha had warned, since the start of the war in Gaza, of the risk of escalation leading to wider regional tensions.

She stated that since February 28, Qatar had been subjected to "shocking and unexpected" Iranian attacks, undermining trust—particularly as they originated from a neighboring country. She added that the strikes targeted not only military sites but also critical infrastructure, including energy facilities.

The Qatari official reiterated that the attacks threaten global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt international aviation supply chains, with wider economic repercussions.

Qatar reiterated its strong condemnation of Iran's use of ballistic missiles and drones against its territory, calling it a flagrant violation of sovereignty and a serious escalation threatening regional stability. The country also affirmed its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Al Mohannadi added that Qatar had also condemned attacks targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Republic of Lebanon, the Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Turkiye, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Cyprus. She expressed full solidarity with these countries in safeguarding their sovereignty and security.

She stressed that such attacks undermine mediation and dialogue efforts long supported by Qatar and Oman, while welcoming UN Security Council resolution 2817, which condemns the strikes and reaffirms respect for sovereignty and civilian protection.

The diplomat also welcomed a statement by European Union leaders and foreign ministers emphasizing de-escalation, regional security, freedom of navigation, and energy security, and underlined that Qatar's partnerships with the United States and other allies remain "firm and unquestionable".

She concluded by reaffirming Qatar's commitment to working with partners to reduce tensions, end hostilities, and return to diplomatic solutions aimed at strengthening regional stability. (QNA)