Qatar condemns Iranian missile strike on US airbase, summons ambassador

Qatar has condemned a missile strike launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, a key US military facility located in Qatar. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a flagrant violation of its sovereignty, airspace, and international law, including the United Nations Charter.

The incident prompted Qatar to summon Iran’s ambassador, where Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al-Muraikhi expressed the government’s disapproval. Al-Muraikhi highlighted that the attack contradicts the principles of good neighborliness and the historically close ties between the two nations. He emphasized Qatar’s commitment to diplomacy and peaceful dialogue as essential for regional stability.

According to Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, the country’s air defenses intercepted the missiles, ensuring no casualties. The base, which serves as the central command for US Air Force operations in the region, had been evacuated as a precautionary measure due to heightened tensions. Qatar warned that it reserves the right to respond proportionally under international law.

The missile strike, claimed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was framed as retaliation for recent US operations against Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran targeted Al Udeid Air Base due to its strategic importance as the largest US military hub in West Asia.

Qatar called for an immediate return to diplomatic negotiations and de-escalation of military actions to prevent further destabilization. The foreign ministry stressed that such acts of aggression pose a significant threat to international peace and security, raising the risk of broader conflicts with catastrophic consequences.

This attack underscores escalating tensions in the Middle East, following a series of military engagements involving Iran, the US, and Israel. Qatar’s firm yet measured response highlights its dual role as a regional mediator and a defender of its sovereignty under international law.