Does Qatar Have the Right to Respond to Iran’s Retaliatory Actions?

Doha, June 23 (NationPress) On Monday, Qatar declared its intention to respond directly in a manner commensurate to Iran's retaliatory strike on US military installations within its borders.

“This action is a blatant breach of Qatar's sovereignty, its airspace, and violates international law as well as the United Nations Charter. We assert that Qatar maintains the right to respond proportionately to this audacious aggression, consistent with international law,” stated Majed Al Ansari, Qatar’s Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He further expressed that Qatar vehemently condemns the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base executed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

“We want to reassure everyone that Qatar’s air defenses effectively intercepted the attack and neutralized the Iranian missiles. Moreover, we stress that ongoing military escalations will jeopardize regional security and stability, potentially leading to dire consequences for global peace,” Ansari remarked.

He urged for an immediate halt to all military activities and advocated for a serious return to diplomacy and dialogue.

Ansari noted that Qatar was among the first nations to raise alarms about the dangers posed by Israeli military escalations in the area.

“We have consistently promoted the prioritization of diplomatic resolutions and highlighted the necessity of good neighborly relations to prevent escalation,” Ansari stated.

He reiterated that dialogue remains the sole pathway to navigate the existing crises and ensure both regional security and the peace of its inhabitants.

Ansari confirmed that the US base had been evacuated earlier in line with established safety protocols in light of regional tensions.

“All necessary measures were implemented to safeguard personnel at the base, including members of the Qatari Armed Forces, allied forces, and others. We can confirm that there were no injuries or fatalities resulting from the attack,” he added.

Previously, reports indicated that Iran launched six missiles targeting US military facilities situated in Iraq and Qatar.

Media sources mentioned that this operation was dubbed “Annunciation of Victory.” However, the missile attack had no significant repercussions on US bases in Qatar, as American Patriot missile defense systems successfully intercepted the missiles.

Reports also indicated that the US activated its air defense system at the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Iraq.

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that the US is diligently monitoring threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.