Qatar has escalated tensions in the Gulf after condemning what it described as a “brutal” Iranian missile attack on the strategic Ras Laffan Industrial City, warning it reserves the “full right to respond”.
In a statement issued Wednesday, March 18, the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strike caused fires and “significant damage” to the facility, calling it a “flagrant violation” of the country’s sovereignty.
“The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the brutal Iranian attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City, which caused fires resulting in significant damage to the facility. This attack constitutes a dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of the State’s sovereignty, and a direct threat to its national security and the stability of the region,” the ministry said.
Qatar declares ‘right to respond’ under international law
Doha said it had maintained neutrality since the conflict began but accused Iran of continuing to target countries in the region.
The foreign ministry said Qatar “reserves its right to respond” under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which allows for self-defence.
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It also called on the UN Security Council to take action, saying the strike violated international obligations and threatened global energy security.
“The Ministry affirms that this attack constitutes a violation of Security Council Resolution 2817, and reiterates its call upon the Security Council to assume its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and to take the necessary measures to stop these serious violations and deter their perpetrators,” the statement adds.
“The Ministry reaffirms that the State of Qatar reserves its right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and the right of self-defense guaranteed by international law, stressing that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents.”
Fire contained after missile strike
Later, Qatar’s interior ministry confirmed that the fire in Ras Laffan has been brought under control, and no injuries have been reported.
The country’s defence ministry, in a separate update, said five missiles were launched at the country from Iran throughout the day.
According to the ministry, four of these were intercepted, while the other fell in Ras Laffan Industrial City, causing the fire that has since been brought under control.
State-owned QatarEnergy earlier announced that emergency teams were deployed immediately and reported “extensive damage” to parts of the facility, though all personnel were accounted for.
“QatarEnergy confirms that Ras Laffan Industrial City this evening has been the subject of missile attacks. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting fires, as extensive damage has been caused. All personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time,” the ministry said.
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The developments come amid rapidly intensifying tensions involving the United States, Iran, Israel, and Gulf states.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned earlier that recent attacks on the South Pars gas field could lead to “consequences beyond control”, adding the escalation could “engulf the entire world.”
South Pars, which Iran shares with Qatar (where it is known as the North Dome), is the largest natural gas field globally and a critical source of energy exports.
Missile activity across the Gulf
Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted four ballistic missiles over Riyadh, with no reported casualties, though debris fell across parts of the capital.
Regional alerts have intensified after Iranian-linked media listed potential targets across Gulf states, including sites in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Qatar had earlier criticised strikes on energy infrastructure in Iran, warning against targeting such facilities given their importance to global energy supply.
Ras Laffan Industrial City is one of the world’s largest hubs for liquefied natural gas processing, making any disruption significant for international markets.
