Qatar has ordered Iranian military-linked officials to leave the country within 24 hours, following a missile strike on a key gas facility.
In a statement on Wednesday, March 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar said it had declared the military attaché, security attaché, and associated staff at the Embassy of Iran in Qatar persona non grata.
The ministry said the decision was taken in response to what it described as “repeated Iranian targeting and blatant aggression” against the country.
“The ministry explained that this decision comes in response to repeated Iranian targeting and the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar, which violated its sovereignty and security, in a flagrant breach of the principles of international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution No. (2817), and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement reads in part.
Diplomatic fallout intensifies
The move was communicated during a meeting between Qatar’s Director of Protocol Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro and Iranian Ambassador Ali Salehabadi in Doha.
Qatar said the actions violated its sovereignty and breached international law, including the United Nations (UN) Security Council‘s provisions and the principles of good neighbourliness.
It warned that further measures could follow if what it called Iran’s “hostile approach” continues.
“The ministry stressed that the continuation of this hostile approach by the Iranian side will be met with additional measures by the State of Qatar, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security, and national interests.”
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The diplomatic escalation follows a missile attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world’s most critical energy facilities.
Located 80km north-east of Doha, this thriving energy industry hub is home to international companies. RLIC is strategically close to the North Field, lying between the Far East and Europe on the international maritime shipping route. RLIC is the workplace of approximately 115,000 people, according to the Qatari government.
Qatar had earlier condemned the strike as a “brutal attack”, saying it caused fires and significant damage.
According to the Qatar Ministry of Defence, five missiles were launched from Iran, with four intercepted and one hitting the site.
The Qatar Ministry of Interior later confirmed the fire had been brought under control, with no injuries reported.
State-owned QatarEnergy said emergency teams contained the blaze but reported “extensive damage” to the facility.
Qatar warns it may respond
Following the strike, Doha said it reserves the right to respond under international law.
Officials cited Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows countries to act in self-defence, and called on the Security Council to intervene.
Also Read: Arab Nation Declares ‘Full Right’ to Respond After Iran Strikes Global Gas Hub
Qatar had maintained neutrality in the broader conflict but said recent developments were dragging non-involved countries into the crisis. The situation comes amid wider escalation involving Iran, Israel, and Gulf states.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned earlier that attacks on energy infrastructure could lead to “consequences beyond control.”
Missile activity has also been reported elsewhere in the region, with Saudi Arabia intercepting projectiles over Riyadh.
Ras Laffan Industrial City is central to Qatar’s liquefied natural gas production, making it a key node in global energy supply.
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