Category: Qatar

London, March 19, 2026

The State of Qatar has strongly condemned Iran’s attacks and threats against commercial shipping and maritime infrastructure, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, as a “clear violation” of international law and the principles of freedom of navigation.
The statement was delivered by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, during the 36th extraordinary session of the IMO council, dedicated to addressing the blatant aggression against Gulf states and its implications for maritime navigation, including the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
His Excellency reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of the attacks targeting its territory, as well as those against the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, noting that such actions represent a violation of state sovereignty and a breach of the principles of the United Nations Charter.
He also welcomed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemned these attacks, stressing the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and adherence to international law.
The ambassador highlighted that these attacks directly impact the safety and security of maritime navigation, endanger the lives of innocent seafarers, and threaten the stability of one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors. He warned that this could lead to serious repercussions for global trade, supply chains, and energy security.
He further emphasized the need to protect seafarers and safeguard international maritime security and freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law. He rejected any actions or threats that hinder maritime passage and affirmed Qatar’s support for the efforts of the International Maritime Organization and its member states to enhance maritime safety and security. 

Riyadh, March 19, 2026

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated in the Consultative Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of Arab and Islamic Countries on Iranian Aggression, which was held in Riyadh.

The meeting was also attended by foreign ministers and representatives of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the sisterly United Arab Emirates, the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the sisterly Republic of Turkiye, the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, the sisterly State of Kuwait, the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, and the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt.

The meeting, convened by Saudi Arabia to discuss Iranian escalation and enhance regional coordination to protect the region’s stability, strongly condemned the Iranian missile and drone attacks, deeming them a violation of sovereignty and international law. It held Iran fully responsible for the losses, calling for an immediate and unconditional cessation of aggression and adherence to Security Council resolutions.

The meeting also stressed the danger of supporting militias and destabilizing security, and that Iran must work seriously to reconsider its wrong calculations, and that its continued violation of the principles of good neighborliness and the sovereignty of states will have dire consequences for it first and foremost, and for the security of the region, and will cost it dearly, casting a shadow on its relations with the countries and peoples of the region, who will not stand idly by in the face of threats to their capabilities.

New York, March 19, 2026

The State of Qatar sent its ninth identical letter to HE Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres and HE Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of March, Michael Waltz, regarding the latest developments of the Iranian aggression on its territory. This aggression constitutes a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that jeopardizes the security and stability of the region.

The letter was sent by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani.

The letter noted that from the beginning of the attack on the State of Qatar on February 28, 2026, until March 16, 2026, its air defense systems have intercepted several hostile aerial targets, pointing out that civilian injuries resulted from these heinous attacks.

It stated that all damages and losses resulting from the attacks will be assessed by the relevant authorities, noting that further updates would be provided as they become available.

The letter emphasized that these attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran continued even after the Security Council adopted Resolution 2817 (2026), co-sponsored by 136 countries, which condemned in the strongest terms Iran’s heinous attacks on the State of Qatar and neighboring countries, and demanded an immediate end to all such attacks.

It also reiterated the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of this targeting and its full right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, a right affirmed by Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), in a manner commensurate with the nature of the aggression, in defense of its sovereignty and to safeguard its security and national interests.

The State of Qatar also requested that this letter be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

Doha, March 18, 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an official note to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State, stating that Qatar considers both the military attache and the security attache at the embassy, in addition to the staff of the two attache offices “persona non grata”, and requests that they leave the country within a maximum period of (24) hours.

This came during a meeting held Wednesday between HE Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State Ali Salehabadi.

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 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.

The ministry affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, in accordance with the provisions of international law.

Doha | March 19, 2026

The State of Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian targeting of energy facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates over the past two days, deeming it a blatant violation of international law and a serious threat to global energy security, navigation, and the environment.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that Iran’s brutal attacks on countries in the region have crossed all red lines by targeting civilians, civilian objects, and vital facilities, stressing the need to spare the region the consequences of these unjustified attacks and to work towards de-escalation to restore regional and international security and stability.

The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the brotherly nations and its support for all measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

Doha | March 18, 2026

The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attack targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, which caused fires resulting in significant damage to the facility.

It describes the attack as a dangerous escalation, a flagrant violation of state sovereignty, and a direct threat to its national security and regional stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that despite Qatar’s policy of distancing itself from this war since its outset and its commitment to avoiding any escalation, the Iranian side continues to target it and neighboring countries in an irresponsible approach that undermines regional security and threatens international peace.

The ministry stresses that Qatar has repeatedly called for the need to refrain from targeting civilian and energy facilities, including within the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in order to preserve the resources of the region’s peoples and safeguard international peace and security. However, the Iranian side continues its escalatory policies that are pushing the region toward the brink and drawing countries not party to this crisis into the conflict zone.

The ministry affirms that this attack constitutes a violation of UN Security Council Resolution No. (2817), renewing its call on the 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 ministry also reiterates that the State of Qatar reserves its right to respond in accordance with Article (51) of the United Nations Charter and the right to self-defense as 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.

Doha | March 18, 2026

The State of Qatar welcomes the announcement of a temporary truce between Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr, considering this step a positive gesture that contributes to de-escalation and promotes calm between the two sides.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms the State of Qatar’s hope that this temporary truce will pave the way for a return to a sustainable ceasefire agreement, one that spares civilian lives and achieves security and stability.

In this context, the Ministry praises the response of both parties to the calls made by the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Turkiye to implement this truce, stressing that prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions is the best way to resolve outstanding disputes.

The Ministry also reiterates the State of Qatar’s commitment to continuing its diplomatic efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to support de-escalation efforts and enhance security and stability in the region.

New York, March 18, 2026

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani has reiterated the country’s support for international efforts to assist refugees.
This came during a meeting with HE United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Dr Barham Salih at the headquarters of Qatar’s permanent mission in New York.
Discussions focused on the latest regional developments, as well as ongoing humanitarian challenges linked to displacement.
HE Sheikha Alya reaffirmed Qatar’s full backing for the work of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), highlighting the country’s commitment to supporting global initiatives aimed at easing the suffering of refugees.
For his part, Dr Salih praised Qatar’s humanitarian role, noting its continued contributions to international efforts addressing refugee crises worldwide.
The meeting underscores Qatar’s ongoing engagement with multilateral institutions and its emphasis on humanitarian cooperation amid evolving regional conditions.

Hanoi, March 17, 2026

HE Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh met on Tuesday with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Vietnam Khalid bin Ali Abdullah Abel.
The meeting reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries.