Qatar has called for a regional dialogue involving the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Iran, with the participation of Türkiye and Pakistan, aimed at reaching security understandings based on confidence-building measures and a non-aggression agreement. The proposal comes as Doha prepares to unveil new defense partnerships and plans to establish a domestic military production center, part of efforts to strengthen its ability to counter missile threats, drones and cyberattacks. The announcements were made by Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, during the opening of the eighth Global Security Forum in Doha on Monday. The forum, which runs through October 21 under the theme "The Future of Alliances", brings together officials and experts in international security and politics. The Qatari minister said achieving lasting peace with Iran would require addressing mutual security concerns and building economic relationships that could help prevent renewed conflict. He stressed that Qatar continues to maintain contact with Tehran despite the attacks it has suffered and supports mediation efforts led by Pakistan, in cooperation with Oman and other partners, to seek a settlement to the conflict between the United States and Iran. On defense security, Sheikh Saoud revealed that Qatar is preparing to announce a partnership with regional parties to develop its air defense, counter-drone and cybersecurity capabilities. He also announced plans to establish a domestic defense production center in cooperation with a regional partner and countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France, either by localizing certain military industries or investing in specialized companies. The minister explained that a defense review conducted by Qatar had identified air defense, cybersecurity and electronic warfare as priorities, following the threats witnessed across the region during the recent conflict. He said Doha would soon announce the establishment of the domestic defense production center, explaining that Qatar is working with a regional partner, alongside the United States, Britain and France, to develop local defense capabilities or invest in companies operating in the sector. Asked about the threats facing Qatar and other Gulf countries, particularly ballistic missiles, drones and cyberattacks, Sheikh Saoud said a new partnership with regional parties would be announced soon to launch an initiative aimed at building capabilities in those three areas and others. The minister emphasized the importance of Qatar's military partnership with the United States, noting that defense cooperation and exchanges of expertise had helped intercept more than 90 percent of attacks during the conflict. He also reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to the continued development of Al Udeid Air Base, describing it as a Qatari facility that hosts allied forces and supports multiple missions, including counterterrorism operations. On energy security, Sheikh Saoud warned that the economic repercussions of disruptions to oil and gas supplies had not yet reached their peak, and that their effects on prices and consumers could continue over the coming months. He also rejected the imposition of fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the need for an agreement guaranteeing freedom of navigation and stability in energy markets. The minister addressed the Israeli attack on Qatar, arguing that targeting a country engaged in mediation undermines confidence in diplomatic efforts. He also referred to the apology issued by the Israeli prime minister following the attack. Discussing Iranian attacks on Qatari facilities and interests, Sheikh Saoud said Doha had drawn lessons from the incidents to strengthen its defense preparedness, without abandoning dialogue with Tehran. He stressed that mediation and military readiness are not mutually exclusive, explaining that preventing wars requires sustained diplomatic engagement alongside the development of capabilities necessary to protect national sovereignty. The Global Security Forum, organized by the Soufan Center and the Qatar International Academy for Security Studies, is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The forum is examining the future of alliances and defense partnerships, maritime security and supply chains, cybersecurity challenges, and de-escalation diplomacy amid ongoing shifts in international relations.
