The Qatari government has taken a firm stance against Iran’s recent attack on the Al Udeid airbase, summoning Iranian envoy Ali Saleh Abadi to express its strong protest.
According to a statement released by Qatar’s foreign ministry, the attack was condemned as a “flagrant violation of its sovereignty and airspace”. The ministry emphasized Qatar’s right to respond to this incident, underscoring the seriousness with which it views the situation.
During the meeting with the Iranian ambassador, Qatari officials stressed that this violation is “completely inconsistent with the principle of good neighbourliness and the close relations between” Qatar and Iran.
Notably, Qatar has historically advocated for dialogue with Iran and has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to foster cooperation. The Qatari foreign ministry highlighted this aspect, pointing out that Doha’s stance on Iran has been one of promoting peaceful resolution and mutual understanding.
In a further escalation of diplomatic measures, Qatar’s foreign ministry announced that it has sent a letter to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, denouncing the IRGC’s attack as an “extremely dangerous escalation”.
The letter also emphasized that the assault posed a “direct threat to regional peace and security”, underscoring the potential for wider destabilization in the area. This move indicates Qatar’s intent to bring international attention to the matter and seek a collective response to mitigate the situation.
The diplomatic rift between Qatar and Iran is likely to have significant implications for regional dynamics, given the complex web of alliances and interests at play in the Middle East. As Qatar seeks to rally international support for its position, the response from other nations and international organizations will be closely watched.