By Micah Jonah, March 13, 2026
Qatar has rejected claims that its decision to suspend liquefied natural gas production was intended to influence global energy markets or pressure the United States amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel and Iran.
In a statement, a senior Qatari official said the suspension of production was solely a safety measure following Iranian drone attacks on key energy facilities, dismissing suggestions that the move carried political motives.
The official said the allegations, circulated by commentators linked to Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, were attempts to create division between Qatar and the United States during a period of heightened regional tension.
QatarEnergy halted liquefied natural gas production after drones struck two locations, including a water tank at a power plant in Mesaieed Industrial City, an energy facility in Ras Laffan operated by QatarEnergy, the world’s largest LNG producer.
Qatar supplies roughly 20 percent of global LNG, making the shutdown a significant shock to international energy markets already strained by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Qatari official insisted that protecting lives and critical infrastructure remained the government’s priority, adding that accusations of coordination between Qatar and Iran were false and irresponsible.
The official also criticized claims made by Israeli political analyst Amit Segal, who suggested the gas production halt signaled coordination with Tehran to pressure an end to the war.
According to the statement, such narratives risk escalating tensions in a region already facing instability due to the expanding conflict.
Qatari authorities urged restraint and called for de-escalation, warning that misinformation during the crisis could deepen divisions and complicate efforts to stabilize the region.
