DOHA, QATAR February 28, 2026 – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar has summoned the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, His Excellency Ali Salehabadi, to formally express its strong protest, deep dissatisfaction, and categorical rejection of the targeting of Qatari territory.
In an official statement released on Saturday evening, the ministry described the incident as “a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, a threat to its security, and a flagrant breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, conveyed Qatar’s position directly to the Iranian ambassador. He stressed that the repetition of such targeting constitutes “a reckless and irresponsible act that is completely inconsistent with the principles of good neighbourliness and the relations between the two countries.”
Dr. Al Khulaifi warned that any continuation of these actions “would inevitably lead to serious repercussions for bilateral relations,” noting that Qatar has long supported diplomatic solutions aimed at de-escalation in the region.
The minister further highlighted that the targeting “caused fear among civilians and damage to residential areas,” and called for an immediate return to dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve differences and halt military operations threatening regional security and stability.
The diplomatic protest follows Iran’s retaliatory barrage of ballistic missiles and drones launched against U.S. military assets across the Gulf, including the major Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command. Qatari air defences, working with coalition partners, intercepted the majority of the incoming projectiles. However, falling debris and shrapnel from the interceptions caused panic in civilian neighbourhoods and minor damage to residential properties, according to local authorities.
No major structural damage to critical infrastructure was reported, and Qatar’s Interior Ministry described the overall situation as secure while urging the public to remain vigilant against rumours.
This marks the latest escalation in the rapidly deteriorating regional situation after reported U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets earlier on Saturday. Qatar, which maintains diplomatic ties with all parties and has historically acted as a mediator, reiterated its commitment to de-escalation and called on all sides to prioritise dialogue to prevent further spillover into civilian areas.
The full statement and accompanying photograph of the meeting were shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its official X account (@MofaQatar_EN).
Qatar has also expressed solidarity with other affected Gulf states and reaffirmed its right to defend its sovereignty in accordance with international law.
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