DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar has rejected Iran’s claim that recent missile strikes were not intended to target Qatar, stating that evidence on the ground showed the attacks struck areas within the country.
According to a statement, Sheikh Mohammed made the remarks during a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister. During the conversation, Araghchi said the missile strikes were aimed at American interests and were not intended to target the Gulf state.
However, Qatar’s prime minister “categorically rejected” the explanation, pointing to impacts in civilian and residential areas. He said locations affected included the vicinity of and several 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. He added that the attacks were not limited to missiles but also involved drones and aircraft entering Qatari airspace, which were intercepted by the country’s armed forces.
The Qatari prime minister further said the actions reflected an escalatory approach by Tehran and suggested that Iran was attempting to draw neighboring countries into a conflict “that is not theirs.”
Calling for an immediate halt to attacks on regional states that have sought to remain outside the conflict, he urged all parties to prioritize stability and the broader interests of their populations.
Sheikh Mohammed reiterated that Qatar has consistently supported dialogue and diplomatic solutions, but warned that the country would respond to any violation of its sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity. He also referenced the right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
