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Qatar rejects Iranian claims of targeting US interests solely, says will 'confront' aggression
The Qatari PM, Minister of Foreign Affairs accused Tehran of seeking to harm its neighbours and of drawing them into a war "that is not theirs"
- PUBLISHED: Thu 5 Mar 2026, 1:26 AM
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, explicitly rejected Iranian claims that recent missile attacks were not aimed at Qatar, saying that evidence showed otherwise.
During a phone call that the Qatar leader received on Wednesday, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Abbas Araghchi, said that missile strikes were directed at American interests and were not intended to target the Gulf state.
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Sheikh Mohammed "categorically rejected" that claim and highlighted that civilian and residential areas inside the country struck by the attacks.
He said the areas affected included the vicinity of Hamad International Airport, as well as vital infrastructure and industrial zones, including facilities linked to liquefied natural gas production.
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The Qatari PM described the strikes as a "flagrant violation" of the State of Qatar's sovereignty and of international law. He added that the attacks were not limited to missiles, but were ongoing through drones, as well as aircraft that had entered Qatari airspace and were intercepted by the country's armed forces.
He added that these Iranian actions reflected "an escalatory approach" and did not indicate any genuine desire for de-escalation or resolution, accusing Tehran of seeking to harm its neighbours and draw them into a war "that is not theirs".
The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs called for an immediate halt to attacks on regional states that have sought to remain outside the conflict, urging all sides to prioritise the broader interests of their peoples.
He emphasised that Qatar has consistently favoured dialogue and diplomacy, but would respond to any violation of its sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity.
Sheikh Mohammed said such attacks could not go unanswered, citing the country's inherent right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
