Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has extended the Islamic Republic’s condolences over the death of Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Qatar’s government on Sunday announced the death of Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 until his abdication in 2013.
“With profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn the passing of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Araghchi wrote on X.
“Our deepest condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the honorable Al Thani family, and the brotherly Qatari people,” he added.
“We ask God Almighty for mercy and forgiveness for the deceased, and for patience and forbearance for all the survivors.”
ببالغ الحزن والأسى، ننعى وفاة صاحب السمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني.
خالص التعازي إلى حضرة صاحب السمو الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني، وأسرة آل ثاني الكريمة، والشعب القطري الشقيق.
رحم الله الفقيد، وألهم الجميع الصبر والسلوان. pic.twitter.com/8mRJt7sU5B
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) July 12, 2026
Qatari officials announced four days of public mourning across the Persian Gulf island state over the passing of the 74-year-old ruler.
Funeral prayers would be held on Sunday evening, and government offices and public institutions will be closed during the mourning period.
Sheikh Hamad had seized power from his father in a bloodless coup when the latter was abroad in 1995. In 2013, Sheikh Hamad abdicated in favor of his own son.
Qatar was a British protectorate until it gained independence on September 3, 1971.
Sheikh Hamad cited political and economic necessity and the need to modernize the burgeoning Arab state as the reason for seizing power. He is now regarded as one of the key architects behind modern Qatar, who led the country during a period of rapid economic growth.
His son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, now leads the nation.
