Qatar Energy chief warned of risks before Iran attack

19:00

The chief executive of Qatar’s state-owned energy company has revealed that he had repeatedly warned U.S. and international officials about the potential risks linked to escalating tensions with Iran.

Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, who also serves as Qatar’s Energy Minister, spoke during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) about the recent attack on QatarEnergy’s facilities. The assault has severely disrupted operations at one of the world’s largest natural gas producers.

“I consistently advised partners and government representatives that any action against Iranian sites could trigger serious consequences for us,” Al Kaabi told Reuters. He emphasized that executives from U.S. energy giants, including ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, were aware of the threat and received repeated warnings about protecting oil and gas facilities.

The CEO also noted that the company previously managed large-scale evacuations, moving 10,000 workers within 24 hours, illustrating the scale of potential risks. Al Kaabi added that ongoing North Field expansion projects could face delays exceeding a year due to these disruptions.

Despite the tensions, the U.S. Department of Energy deferred comments to the White House. A spokesperson highlighted that the administration had anticipated temporary disruptions in oil and gas supplies during operations in Iran.

Al Kaabi’s statements shed light on the precarious balance energy companies face in the Gulf region, where geopolitical tensions can have immediate and far-reaching impacts on global energy markets.