Qatar condemns Iranian strike, calls escalation “surprising” amid mediation

Qatar issued a strong condemnation late Monday of the missile attack targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, describing it as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and expressing surprise at the escalation amid its ongoing efforts to mediate regional crises.

Dr. Majid Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in urgent remarks that “Qatar condemns in the strongest terms the attack targeting Al Udeid base,” calling it “an assault and flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.”

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Highlighting Qatar’s diplomatic role, Al-Ansari added, “We consider this attack surprising given Qatar’s continuous commitment to mediation in resolving regional conflicts.”

Despite the firm denunciation, the spokesperson reiterated Qatar’s call for calm and a return to negotiations, saying, “We urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and resolve disputes peacefully.”

These statements follow a tense night marked by the closure of Qatar’s airspace, the Ministry of Defense’s announcement of successfully intercepting the attack, and now this clear political condemnation placing responsibility for the escalation on the attacker.