Doha: In a sharp diplomatic move, Qatar has summoned the Iranian Ambassador in response to a missile strike by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base located within Qatari territory. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its strong condemnation, calling the attack a blatant violation of national sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.
The incident, which has sparked serious concerns in the Gulf region, marks a rare moment of public discord between Qatar and Iran two nations that have historically maintained cordial and cooperative ties, especially in recent years.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, personally delivered the message to the Iranian envoy. In a strongly worded statement, the minister stated that the attack not only endangered Qatar’s security but also undermined principles of good neighborliness and mutual respect that have underpinned relations between the two nations.
"This act contradicts the spirit of dialogue and regional cooperation," Al Muraikhi said, urging Iran to exercise restraint and respect Qatar’s territorial integrity.
He further reiterated Qatar’s firm commitment to peaceful diplomacy and stressed that military escalation must give way to constructive dialogue. He called on all regional actors to return to diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and safeguard the stability of the Gulf region.
Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. military installation in the Middle East, which has played a central role in coalition operations over the years. The Iranian strike, part of a broader regional escalation, has triggered heightened tensions and drawn condemnation from other Gulf states as well.
Diplomatic observers note that Qatar’s public rebuke of Tehran signals a delicate balancing act for the Gulf nation, which has long attempted to maintain working relationships with both the United States and Iran. Tuesday’s development could force a recalibration of Qatar’s regional posture as it navigates a volatile geopolitical environment.
The Qatari government emphasized that protecting its sovereignty is non-negotiable and expressed hope that Tehran would refrain from further provocations, as the Gulf region stands at the brink of wider conflict.