DOHA: Qatar has summoned the Iranian ambassador following missile strikes on US military installations located within its territory, Arab media reported on Tuesday.
According to the reports, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally called in the Iranian envoy after Iran launched missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts American forces.
In response, a spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs defended the action, stating that the missile strikes were conducted as an act of self-defense. "The operation targeted US military assets under our legitimate right to defend ourselves and was in no way directed at our brotherly and friendly neighbor, Qatar," the statement added.
In addition, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said in his message to Qatari officials that Iran is committed to continuing and strengthening relations between the two countries as a good neighbor.
The incident has raised concerns in the region about escalating tensions and potential spillover into neighboring countries.
It should be noted that Iran targeted the US base (base) in Qatar for targeting its nuclear installations by the United States, but it did not cause any harm to the US base.
Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has expressed strong condemnation of Iran’s recent missile strike, calling it a shock to the Qatari people and a violation of diplomatic norms.
Speaking at a joint press conference with the Lebanese Prime Minister in Doha, the Qatari Premier said, “We were surprised by Iran’s attack. What happened yesterday was a blow to the people of Qatar. An attack on the State of Qatar is unacceptable and a breach of diplomatic protocol.”
He further stated that the Iranian strike, which targeted the US military base at Al Udeid, will inevitably impact bilateral relations between the two countries. “This incident will have consequences for Qatar-Iran relations, though we still hope that our ties as neighbors will not be permanently damaged,” he added.
