Doha, Qatar – Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani affirmed that the Iranian attacks targeting Qatari territory “cannot go unanswered.” He also stressed that Doha will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security.
These remarks came during a phone call he received from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA). During the call, the two sides discussed the latest escalation in the region.
Qatari rejection of the Iranian narrative
During the call, the Iranian minister informed his Qatari counterpart that the missile attacks targeted American interests, denying that Qatar was the intended target. However, the Qatari prime minister categorically rejected this account. He asserted that on-the-ground evidence proved that civilian and residential areas within Qatar were directly targeted.
He noted that among the sites struck were the vicinity of Hamad International Airport. Furthermore, the attacks targeted vital infrastructure and industrial areas, including facilities for producing liquefied natural gas. He considered this a clear violation of the country’s sovereignty and a blatant breach of international law.
Continued drone attacks
The Prime Minister explained that the attacks were not limited to missiles, but also included drones and other aerial objects that violated Qatari airspace. He confirmed that the Qatari Armed Forces intercepted and dealt with them according to established defensive procedures.
He added that the continuation of these operations reflects an escalatory approach that is inconsistent with any efforts toward de-escalation. He also warned of the repercussions of these actions on the security and stability of the region.
A call to halt the escalation and resort to international law
The Qatari Prime Minister called for an immediate halt to attacks targeting countries not involved in the conflict. He emphasized that Qatar has always pursued dialogue and diplomacy as a means of resolving crises. At the same time, he affirmed his country’s inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Therefore, any aggression against its sovereignty or national interests will be met with an appropriate response.
