War in the Middle East: Iran attacks US base in Jordan, 10 US vessels

Qatar's cabinet denounced recent attacks against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and commercial shipping, warning these assaults jeopardize regional stability and maritime freedom. The meeting, led by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, took place at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Wednesday.

Afterwards, Minister of Justice and State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim Al Mohannadi confirmed Qatar's condemnation of Houthi group attacks on civilian and economic targets in Saudi cities of Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran, resulting in injuries including to women and children. The cabinet also denounced ongoing targeting of commercial vessels in the Red Sea, stating it threatens international maritime safety and freedom of navigation, and called the actions a grave violation of Saudi sovereignty and international law.

Qatar similarly denounced an Iranian attack on the Saudi tanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz, which led to crew casualties, calling it a breach of UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and international law. The government reiterated its stance against using the strategically vital waterway for political leverage, emphasizing the principle of freedom of navigation cannot be compromised.

The cabinet also condemned renewed Iranian attacks on Kuwait, describing them as a violation of Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity, in addition to breaches of international law, the UN Charter, and principles of good neighborly relations. The cabinet reaffirmed the indivisibility of Gulf Cooperation Council states' security and pledged solidarity against actions jeopardizing their security, sovereignty, or stability.

On the legislative agenda, the cabinet approved a draft law regulating artistic professions and directed it to the Shura Council. The proposed legislation, developed by the Ministry of Culture, aims to create a comprehensive legal framework for artistic activities in Qatar, safeguarding artists' rights and bolstering arts and culture's contribution to social development and the creative economy.

The law addresses various artistic fields, licensing rules for performances, and the creation of a permanent committee for artistic professions, with provisions to protect children's rights and privacy during artistic activities. The cabinet also endorsed a draft decision amending government tender and auction regulations, prepared by the Ministry of Finance in coordination with relevant authorities.

These amendments aim to improve government procurement processes, enhance efficiency, and promote fair competition while preserving safeguards. Finally, the cabinet examined Qatar's Ministry of Municipality's annual report for 2025, reviewed outcomes of the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs' U.S. visit, and discussed Qatar's involvement in the Pax Silica Summit in Washington in June 2026.