Qatar Rejects Iran's Claim That Its Attacks Targeted Only the United States

Qatar’s authorities rejected Iran’s claim that its attacks in the Gulf state were aimed only at United States targets, arguing that several strikes hit civilian areas and residential zones. The dispute, reported by Al Arabiya on Thursday (5 March 2026), arose during a telephone conversation between Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday (4 March) local time. Araghchi, according to the Qatar News Agency, repeated Iran’s claim in the call. However, the Qatar News Agency said Sheikh Mohammed “strongly rejected” the claim, stating that on-the-ground facts show Iran’s attacks affected civilian areas and residential areas in Qatar. Sheikh Mohammed said Tehran’s strikes targeted areas near Hamad International Airport, as well as vital infrastructure and industrial zones, including facilities producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Qatar. “This is a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar and the principles of international law,” he said. He further assessed that Iran’s actions “reflect nothing but escalation by Iran and do not show a sincere willingness to de-escalate or reach a solution.” “Conversely, they seek to harm neighbouring countries and drag those countries into a war that is none of their business,” he added. As Qatar’s PM, Sheikh Mohammed “called for an immediate halt to these attacks against the regional states that have stayed away from this war.” He described Iran’s attacks as showing “no goodwill” towards neighbouring states. He noted that although Qatar “has always leaned towards dialogue and diplomacy,” his country would confront any aggression that threatens sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, or national interests. He emphasised that Iran’s attacks “cannot be left unchecked,” while citing Qatar’s inherent right to defend itself under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. Iran has targeted Gulf states hosting US military assets and personnel, including Qatar, in retaliation for coordinated attacks by Washington and Israel against its territory since Saturday (28 February). Tehran’s strikes have heightened tensions across the Middle East region.