Qatar Retaliates by Expelling Iranian Attachés, Must Leave Within 24 Hours

Qatar has declared two Iranian military and security attachés persona non grata and ordered them to leave the country within 24 hours. This decision was announced by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (18/3/2026), following rising tensions with Tehran.

In its official statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the measure as a response to “repeated targeting and brutal aggression by Iran” against the country’s sovereignty and security.

“The action constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of international law, UN Security Council Resolution No. 2817, and the norms of good neighbourliness,” the ministry stated.

Qatar also warned that it would take further steps if Iran continues its hostile approach.

“Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, in accordance with international law,” it asserted.

The expulsion also includes staff working under the two attachés. The decision was taken shortly after an Iranian missile attack targeting the Ras Laffan gas production facilities in Qatar.

Tensions in the Middle East region have been intensifying since the joint Israeli and US attack on Iran on 28 February. The conflict is reported to have killed around 1,300 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader at the time, Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile strikes on several countries, including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US military assets. Those attacks caused casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and the aviation sector.