DOHA, Jan. 13 -- Qatar has warned that any military escalation between the United States and Iran would have catastrophic consequences for the region. The statement came after Washington threatened strikes in response to Iran's crackdown on nationwide protests. Qatar called for maximum restraint to avoid further conflict.

According to Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari, any escalation "would have catastrophic results in the region and beyond." The warning follows heightened tensions after Iran targeted the U.S. Al Udeid military base in Qatar in June, retaliating against American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Read more: Iran says 'prepared for war' as alarm grows over protest toll

Meanwhile, mass protests in Iran si...