Qatar condemns Iran’s attacks on Gulf states, with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warning Tehran is trying to harm its neighbours and drag them into a war “that is not theirs,” according to Qatar’s foreign ministry.
The comments came during a phone call on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, described as the first high-level contact since Iran launched its missile and drone campaign.
In the call, Sheikh Mohammed urged an immediate halt to the strikes and said Iran had hit civilian and residential areas. This was despite Araghchi’s assertion that the attacks were directed at US interests and were not intended to target Qatar.
Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister “categorically rejected” that claim, saying evidence on the ground showed otherwise. He cited areas struck inside Qatar, including the vicinity of Hamad International Airport, as well as vital infrastructure and industrial zones, including facilities linked to liquefied natural gas production.
Sheikh Mohammed described the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law, the statement said.
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Qatar said the attacks were not limited to missiles. According to the statement, drones were also involved, and aircraft entered Qatari airspace before being intercepted by the country’s armed forces.
The Qatari premier said the actions reflected an “escalatory approach” and did not signal genuine interest in de-escalation or resolution.
Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar has consistently favoured dialogue and diplomacy. However, he stressed that Qatar would respond to any violation of its sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity.
He also referenced Qatar’s inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter, adding that such attacks could not go unanswered.
