Qatar condemns Iran’s missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Doha affirms its right to respond equally under international law and urges immediate de-escalation. No casualties reported as Qatari defences intercepted the missiles. Regional tensions remain high amid calls for diplomacy.
The State of Qatar on Monday condemned Iran’s missile attack targeting the Al-Udeid Air Base and affirmed its sovereign right to respond in kind, underlining that the aggression was a serious breach of international norms.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Majed Al Ansari, called the Iranian strike a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter.” The statement came after Iran reportedly fired six missiles targeting U.S. military installations in both Iraq and Qatar, as part of a retaliatory campaign dubbed the “Annunciation of Victory.”
Ansari confirmed that Qatar “reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent to the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law.” The spokesperson added that Qatari air defences successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles, preventing any injuries or casualties among military personnel or civilians.
Al-Udeid Air Base, which hosts U.S. and coalition forces, was evacuated prior to the attack following standard security protocols due to heightened tensions in the region. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence later confirmed that no human or material losses occurred, thanks to early precautionary measures and the effectiveness of Qatari defence systems.
“We reassure that Qatar’s air defences successfully thwarted the attack and intercepted the Iranian missiles. We also emphasise that the continuation of such escalatory military actions will undermine security and stability in the region, dragging it into situations that could have catastrophic consequences for international peace and security,” added Ansari.
The attack triggered responses from international quarters, with the United States activating its Patriot missile defence systems in both Qatar and Iraq. The White House has also stated that it is closely monitoring threats to its assets in the Gulf, particularly at the Al-Udeid airbase.
Qatar, long regarded as a key mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts, called for an immediate halt to all military actions and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy. Ansari noted that Qatar had been among the first nations to caution against Israeli escalations in the region and consistently advocated for diplomatic resolutions.
“We have consistently called for diplomatic solutions to be prioritised and have stressed the importance of good-neighbourliness and avoiding escalation,” he said. “Dialogue is the only way to overcome the current crises and ensure the security of the region and the peace of its people.”
The Ministry of Defence echoed these sentiments, stating that the safety of Qatari airspace and territory is a top priority and that the armed forces remain vigilant against any threats. The ministry urged citizens and residents to rely solely on official sources for updates and guidance.
The Iranian missile strike comes amid escalating tensions following incidents involving Israel, Iran, and allied groups in the region. Though Iran framed its actions as retaliation, the choice to target bases in countries like Qatar, which have tried to maintain balanced diplomatic roles, has raised concerns over broader regional implications.
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Analysts warn that any further militarization or retaliatory exchanges may destabilize the fragile equilibrium in the Gulf. Qatar’s response indicates a shift toward a firmer stance in protecting its national sovereignty while maintaining its traditional call for dialogue.
As the region watches closely, the message from Doha is clear: Qatar will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty, and while it remains committed to peace, it will not hesitate to defend its people and territory.
