Qatar monitors radiation levels over Gulf, fears rise as Israel hits Iranian nuclear, energy sites
Qatar warns that strikes on nuclear or energy sites could have unknown consequences for Gulf nations reliant on shared waters/ Image composite (File), PANA
Amid heightened conflict between Israel and Iran, Qatar has stepped up monitoring of radiation levels in the Gulf, following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and energy sites.
On Tuesday, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari confirmed that Doha is closely tracking environmental developments in the region, while calling for international awareness of the potential fallout from strikes on sensitive facilities.
'We are monitoring this on a daily basis,' al-Ansari said during a news conference.
'We have nothing to be concerned about right now, but obviously prolonged escalation will have unpredictable consequences.'
Gulf waters under watch: Qatar warns of potential regional impact
Al-Ansari stressed the strategic and environmental importance of the Gulf's waters, describing them as the region's primary water source. He warned that any military action targeting nuclear or energy-related facilities could result in outcomes beyond current prediction.
'We have to emphasise, when we are talking about the waters of the Gulf, it's the main source of water for all of us here in the region,' he said.
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'The international community has to make it very clear that any targeting of nuclear facilities, any targeting of fuel or energy facilities in this region, would have ramifications that are unknown to us in the Gulf.'
Nuclear and energy sites struck as conflict enters fifth day
The current escalation began Friday when Israel launched a major air campaign against Iran's nuclear infrastructure. This marked the start of a now five-day-long exchange of missile strikes between the two countries.
Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities, which were among the Israeli targets, are located deep inland. However, Iran also operates a nuclear power plant at Bushehr, situated along the Gulf coast.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran informed the UN nuclear watchdog that the Bushehr plant had not been targeted. The statement was issued by the IAEA on Friday.
On Saturday, Israel targeted a significant Iranian gas installation on the Gulf coast.
The facility supports the South Pars gas field, a major energy project shared between Iran and Qatar.
Qatar condemns strikes on energy infrastructure
While confirming that Qatar's part of the shared gas field remains unaffected, the Qatari government expressed concern over the risks such attacks pose to regional stability.
'Qatar's own facilities in the field are secure,' said al-Ansari.
Nonetheless, he strongly criticised the Israeli strikes on Iran's energy assets.
He described the actions as 'reckless,' adding to Qatar's calls for de-escalation and urging international stakeholders to prevent further destabilisation in the Gulf.
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