Doha, 19 March (H.S.): Qatar has escalated tensions with Iran by declaring the Iranian Embassy’s military and security attaches “persona non grata,” demanding their expulsion within 24 hours following a suspected missile strike on the Ras Laffan Industrial City gas processing hub.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) cited repeated Iranian aggression violating sovereignty as justification, while QatarEnergy confirmed the attack caused “extensive damage” with no casualties reported among personnel.
The MFA delivered an official note to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran during a meeting between Qatar’s Director of Protocol, Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and Iran’s Ambassador to Qatar, Ali Salehabadi. The statement emphasized that the decision responds to “blatant aggression” breaching international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and good-neighbor principles, warning of “additional measures” if hostile actions continue.
Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary steps to safeguard its sovereignty and security.Attack on Ras Laffan Industrial CityIranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warnings preceded the Wednesday night attack, with Qatar’s Interior Ministry reporting fires at Ras Laffan Industrial City, a critical natural gas hub.
QatarEnergy confirmed missile strikes, deploying emergency teams to contain fires and secure the facility. The incident marks a dangerous escalation, threatening regional stability and Qatar’s energy-dependent economy, prompting U.S. military reinforcement considerations amid the broader Iran conflict.
Qatar’s firm stance underscores its resolve against Iranian aggression, with implications for Gulf security dynamics and diplomatic relations – a move echoed in regional responses to the Israel-Iran war
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
