In a sharply worded statement, Qatar’s government has condemned an Iranian missile strike targeting Al Udeid Air Base as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law, affirming its right to respond in kind.
The attack, carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was intercepted by Qatari air defenses, preventing casualties or structural damage, according to officials.
Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “We express the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. We consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law and the United Nations Charter. We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression and in accordance with international law.”
The attack marks a dangerous escalation in an already volatile regional situation, as Iran retaliates for U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear and military infrastructure. Qatar, which hosts the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command at Al Udeid, found itself directly in the line of fire despite its efforts to maintain balanced regional relations and advocate for diplomacy.
Al Ansari confirmed that the air base had been evacuated earlier as a precaution, and no injuries or casualties were reported. “All measures were taken to ensure the safety of personnel at the base, including members of the Qatari Armed Forces, friendly forces, and others,” he said.
Qatari defenses successfully intercepted the incoming Iranian missiles, according to Al Ansari. The Ministry of Defense is expected to release further details on the incident.
Calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, Al Ansari warned that continued military escalation could “undermine security and stability in the region and drag it into situations that will have disastrous repercussions for international peace and security.”
He reiterated Qatar’s longstanding position advocating diplomacy over confrontation: “We stress that the State of Qatar was among the first countries to warn of the consequences of Israeli escalation in the region, and called for the priority of diplomatic solutions, and was keen on the principle of good neighborliness and non-escalation… Dialogue is the only way to overcome current crises and preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people.”
Earlier in the day, Qatar temporarily suspended its airspace, citing regional security concerns and the increased threat of missile strikes. The IRGC’s attack on Al Udeid marks the first known instance of a direct Iranian strike on Qatari territory and is expected to provoke strong international reactions.
The situation remains fluid as regional actors weigh responses amid growing calls for de-escalation.
