QatarEnergy declared force majeure on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through global markets as the economic impact of the conflict with Iran widens. This legal clause is used when a company cannot meet its contractual obligations due to circumstances beyond its control.
The announcement came just two days after two of the company’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities were attacked, forcing a pause in production.
Tensions remain high in the Gulf region on the fifth day of the conflict, which began when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday.
‘Flagrant violation’ of sovereignty
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence reported that at dawn on Wednesday, its air and naval defences intercepted 10 drones and two cruise missiles launched from Iran.
The Qatari Cabinet reiterated its strong condemnation of the “successive waves of Iranian attacks,” calling them a “flagrant violation of its sovereignty.”
Throughout the day, Euronews journalists on the ground observed two combat helicopters patrolling the skies over the capital, Doha. American and British Air Force planes were also seen maintaining a reinforced security perimeter around the city.
Sleeper cells dismantled
Meanwhile, the Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported the arrest of two sleeper cells allegedly linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
According to QNA, 10 suspects have been detained. Seven are accused of spying on vital military infrastructure, while three were allegedly tasked with carrying out sabotage operations.
Qatar’s airspace remains closed, with Qatar Airways stating that the next update for stranded passengers is expected on Friday morning.