'A new norm': BBC visits Doha market starting to fill up again two weeks into Iran war

At the beginning of the conflict between Israel and the US, and Iran on 28 February, Doha's Souq Waqif market was almost empty, with those in the usually safe and stable capital shocked by the attacks in the region.

Qatar's neighbouring countries have felt the impact of Tehran's retaliatory strikes, with at least 18 people killed across the Gulf states so far.

Meanwhile, most of the strikes aimed at Qatar – some targeting US military bases – have been intercepted by air defences, with little damage done on the ground and no deaths reported in the country.

As the conflict in the Middle East enters its third week, Doha's best-known market is starting to look busy again – and the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher has visited to ask people there how they are feeling.

Middle EastIsraelDohaIranQatarUnited StatesIran warShareSaveAn illustration of a crowded bus or train interior at night shows multiple passengers standing close together among vertical and horizontal handrails. A central figure in a pink collared shirt is positioned in the foreground. Other passengers are visible around the scene, some seated and some standing, with circular lights or reflections dotting the dark windows in the background.

Oscar buzz for Ray and his Retirement Plan

Voiced by Domhnall Gleeson and directed by John Kelly, Retirement Plan is nominated for Best Animated Short Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

WorldA split screen image with Nick Marsh on the left and barrels of oil on the right

Watch: Why the Iran war is pushing up oil prices

As turmoil continues in the Middle East, the price of crude oil rose to more than $100 a barrel on Monday.

WorldComposite image of Landale standing in snowy field, and the interceptor

Watch: Ukrainian anti-drone 'bullet' that could help defend Gulf

The BBC's Diplomatic Correspondent, James Landale, is in Ukraine to see the latest anti-drone technology the country has to offer.

World A split image with Laura Kuenssberg on the left and Tom Fletcher on the right

'This is a moment of grave peril' – UN humanitarian chief

UN Humanitarian Affairs Lead Tom Fletcher speaks to the BBC about the conflict in the Middle East.

WorldDonald Trump on the left and a man in a Cuba jacket and flag is on the right.

After Iran, will Trump turn his eyes to Cuba?

During a White House event with the Inter Miami CF soccer team, the US president said the island was “ready to fall”.

WorldPeople protesting Maduro's return is on the left and Ione Wells is on the right.

Inside Venezuela's political transition two months after Maduro's ousting

The BBC's Ione Wells reports from the country and speaks to recently freed opposition politicians about the government's future and relations with the US.

WorldElizabeth Taylor is seen on the left and the Iranian embassy in the US is on the right.

Frozen in time: The once-glamorous Iranian embassy in the US sits empty

The BBC's Helena Humphrey explains the steps required to reopen both embassies, which have remained closed for decades.

WorldSplitscreen. Left, a woman speaks. Right, Two people embrace in an airport

'We got home': Passengers on Dubai-Dublin flight celebrate return

The Emirates flight was the first in a number of days after the United States-Israeli attacks on Iran led to the closure of nearly all airspace in the Middle East.

WorldGraphic showing marine traffic

Timelapse shows change in the flow of ships in the Strait of Hormuz

A timelapse of marine traffic shows the flow of ships has decreased in the Strait of Hormuz.

WorldA black and white image of a ship through a scope

Video of US torpedo hitting Iranian warship released by Pentagon

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the US military has sunk "an Iranian warship" in the Indian Ocean with a torpedo.

WorldPlumes of smoke rise following reported explosions in Tehran on March 2, 2026

Ros Atkins on…how has President Trump's message on war changed?

The BBC's Analysis Editor Ros Atkins charts how the Trump administration’s messaging on war has shifted in his second term.

WorldSplitscreen. Left, Bateman. Right, Hegseth.

Watch: BBC asks Hegseth about reports of strike on school

Asked about the reported bombing of a school in Iran, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the US was "investigating".

WorldDonald Trump and Ros Atkins are pictured.

Trump's war on Iran: Shifting stories and unanswered questions

BBC's Analysis editor Ros Atkins looks at the mixed messaging given by President Donald Trump's administration for its actions in Iran.

WorldSplitscreen showing an explosion and destruction following strikes

Watch: Footage from across Iran shows scale of strikes

Footage verified by the BBC and news agencies shows large explosions in Iran following US and Israel strikes.

WorldFlames above US consulate in Dubai

Fire breaks out near US consulate in Dubai after drone strike

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed a drone struck a parking lot adjacent to the US consulate building in Dubai.

WorldSeveral men in a gold-decorated Oval office - Trump sitting at the head of the room.

Trump lashes out at Spain, says he is 'going to cut off all trade'

The US president criticised the Spanish government after it blocked the US from using its bases during the attack on Iran.

WorldPresident Trump wears a blue suit, white shirt and blue tie with an American flag pin while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, a bust of Winston Churchill is visible behind him..

Trump on Starmer: 'Not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with'

President Donald Trump criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the UK's initial response to US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

WorldSplit screen of Tom Bateman in a dark coat and Marco Rubio in a suit at a podium of mics.

BBC questions Marco Rubio over reported strike on Iranian school

The secretary of state said the US 'would not deliberately target a school' and directed further questions to the defence department.

WorldFour men stood on a hill looking at smoke over Tehran

Watch: The third day of the US-Israeli war with Iran

A fast-moving day saw the conflict widen in the region, with strikes being traded between opposing sides.

WorldDonald Trump and Sarah Smith are pictured.

What did Trump say in his first live remarks since Iran attack?

BBC's Sarah Smith was inside the room as the US president mostly stayed on script while speaking at a White House event.

World

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *