Qatar demands Iran stop attacks on Persian Gulf states

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has urged Iran to immediately cease strikes targeting Arab states in the Persian Gulf, following recent missile and drone attacks on Qatari territory.

During a telephone conversation with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on March 4, Sheikh Mohammed rejected Tehran’s claim that the attacks were not aimed at Qatar. He said evidence from the ground clearly shows that civilian and residential areas, including the vicinity of Hamad International Airport, as well as vital industrial and energy infrastructure, were directly affected.

The Prime Minister described the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. He noted that the assaults were not limited to missiles but also involved drones and aircraft that entered Qatari airspace and were intercepted by the nation’s armed forces.

Sheikh Mohammed criticised Iran’s actions as “escalatory” and accused Tehran of seeking to destabilize the region and draw Gulf states into a conflict “that is not theirs.” He emphasised that Qatar has consistently prioritised diplomacy and dialogue, but reiterated the country’s right to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

Calling for an immediate halt to attacks, he urged all parties to prioritise the safety and broader interests of their peoples, warning that violations of Qatar’s security “cannot go unanswered.”