DOHA, QATAR March 3, 2026 – Qatari authorities have dismantled two operational cells affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking a significant security development as the Gulf state navigates fallout from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
According to an official statement from the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the State Security Agency conducted extensive monitoring and surveillance operations that led to the arrest of 10 suspects in coordinated raids. Seven of the detainees were reportedly tasked with espionage, gathering intelligence on vital civilian and military facilities across the country. The remaining three had received specialized training in drone operations and were assigned sabotage missions targeting critical infrastructure.
Investigators seized sensitive materials during the raids, including maps and coordinates of key sites, communication devices, and technical equipment. The suspects confessed to their links with the IRGC and admitted to the assigned missions, QNA reported.
The arrests come at a critical juncture. Qatar, which hosts the massive Al Udeid Air Base — the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East — has faced direct threats from Iranian retaliation. Iranian missiles and drones have targeted Gulf states, including Qatar, prompting Qatari F-15 fighters to intercept incoming threats. Reports also indicate that Iranian attacks extended beyond military targets, with attempts on civilian infrastructure such as Hamad International Airport.
QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy giant, has already suspended some liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments due to heightened risks in the Persian Gulf, underscoring the economic stakes.
This move represents a notable shift for Qatar, which has long maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran while balancing strong defense partnerships with the United States. The operation signals Doha’s firm commitment to protecting its sovereignty and key alliances amid the “Second Iran War.”
The Qatar News Agency urged citizens and residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The development was first highlighted on social media by BRICS News, accompanied by images of a senior Qatari official and IRGC personnel, illustrating the regional actors involved.
As tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East — with U.S. strikes hitting Tehran and Iranian responses affecting multiple Gulf capitals — Qatar’s decisive action highlights the growing internal security challenges faced by nations caught in the crossfire.
Life News Agency will continue monitoring this rapidly evolving situation.
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