By John Moses
The Qatari government has summoned the Iranian ambassador to formally protest Tehran’s missile strike on a United States military base located within its territory, describing the action as a breach of diplomatic norms and regional stability.
The Iranian missile strike targeted the al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday evening, reportedly in retaliation for recent US airstrikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, which Washington carried out in coordination with Israel.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the summoning of the Iranian envoy on Tuesday, expressing “strong condemnation” of the attack. In an official statement, Doha underscored that such an action was incompatible with the principles of good neighbourliness and longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The statement added that Qatar has consistently championed dialogue with Tehran and made significant efforts to promote diplomacy in the region.
In response to the attack, Qatar submitted a formal communication to the United Nations Security Council, alerting members and Secretary-General António Guterres to the growing risk of regional instability. The message urged the Council to act swiftly by demanding an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire across the Middle East.
The al-Udeid base, a major hub for US operations in the Gulf with an estimated 10,000 personnel, was reportedly evacuated ahead of the missile strike, preventing any casualties.
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace during the incident but has since reopened it. Similar measures were taken by Bahrain and Kuwait, both of which also host US military facilities, though air traffic resumed shortly after.
The incident marks a concerning escalation in tensions between Iran, the United States, and Gulf nations, raising fresh concerns over the prospect of wider conflict in the region.
