Doha – Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has strongly condemned recent attacks by Iran, describing them as a “dangerous miscalculation” and expressing a “big sense of betrayal” following the strikes on Gulf countries. The attacks, launched in response to a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, have significantly escalated tensions in the region and prompted Qatar to partially reopen its airspace although maintaining heightened security measures.
Explosions were reported in Doha on Monday, March 9, 2026, as Iran continued its retaliatory strikes across the Gulf, targeting countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, that it intercepted 10 Iranian drones and two cruise missiles, demonstrating the escalating nature of the conflict. Doha News is providing ongoing live updates on the situation.
Qatar’s Response and Regional Concerns
Sheikh Mohammed, in an exclusive interview with Sky News, stated that Qatar was attacked just an hour after the start of the wider conflict, despite clearly communicating its intention to remain neutral. “We made clear that we were not going to take part in any wars against our neighbours,” he said. He characterized Iran’s justification for the attacks as “completely rejected” and warned that the “miscalculation by the Iranians to attack Gulf countries has destroyed everything.”
The Qatari Prime Minister emphasized the importance of de-escalation and called on the United States to work towards reducing tensions in the region. Despite the strong condemnation, Qatar affirmed its commitment to continued dialogue with Iran, stating it “will continue to seek de-escalation” and “continue to speak with Iran.”
Airspace Restrictions and Evacuations
In response to the attacks, Qatar partially reopened its airspace on March 6, 2026, allowing for evacuation and cargo flights to resume through “designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity,” according to the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Al Jazeera reports that scheduled commercial flights remain suspended pending further notice. Qatar Airways announced plans to operate repatriation flights on March 7, 2026, to London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Frankfurt.
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has urged citizens to remain vigilant and stay indoors due to the increased security threat. The government has also initiated preparations for potential evacuations, particularly of residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha.
Iran’s Actions and International Reaction
Iran’s attacks are a direct response to U.S. And Israeli strikes against targets within Iran, marking a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the nations. According to The Independent, hundreds of missiles and drones have been launched at targets across the Gulf region, damaging civilian infrastructure including hotels and airports and leaving thousands stranded abroad.
While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly apologized to Gulf states and stated they would no longer be targeted if they did not attack Iran, the attacks continued. Sheikh Mohammed expressed surprise at this continued aggression, highlighting the perceived betrayal felt by Qatar and other Gulf nations.
The current situation represents a critical juncture in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The United States and Israel have not yet publicly responded to Qatar’s call for de-escalation, and the future trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain. The ongoing attacks underscore the fragility of regional stability and the potential for further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days. Continued monitoring of official statements and reports from credible news sources is crucial to understanding the evolving dynamics of this conflict. Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.
