By Noureddine Omar | 2026-05-08

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacks against Qatar not only damaged Qatar's economy but are once again crippling to the people of Iran.

Reports project Qatar's 2026 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to contract by 9 percent, a stark reversal from its previous 2.4 percent growth rate.

This economic disaster has far-reaching consequences that disproportionately harm the Iranian populace.

Qatar has historically acted as a critical intermediary for Iranian funds, managing restricted and sanctioned funds, and facilitating humanitarian assistance.

These channels are vital for ensuring the Iranian people have access to critical supplies amidst the "maximum pressure" campaign against the regime, and the ongoing conflict.

The GDP contraction strains the Qatari banking sector, increasing the difficulty for Doha to facilitate these necessary transactions.

Furthermore, the attacks demonstrated indiscriminate targeting, as they directly threaten the IRGC 's own revenue.

Damage at Ras Laffan facility caused a crippling 17 percent decline in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.

Crucially, Qatar’s Ras Laffan reservoir is an integrated system with Iran's South Pars side, which generates the IRGC majority domestic energy and revenue.

Damage or production halts on the Qatari side can cause pressure imbalances that permanently degrade the South Pars side.

"Iranian bombardment and maritime route closures severely damaged Gulf states' vital oil infrastructure, forcing Qatar toward austerity and risking the implementation of its National Vision 2030," Ain Shams University economics professor Shaher Abdullah told Al-Fassel.

This collateral damage supports claims of IRGC indiscriminate targeting and self-degradation of their own operations.