Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has rejected Iranian claims that recent missile attacks were not aimed at Qatar, saying the evidence on the ground showed otherwise.

According to Qatar News Agency, this statement came during a phone call Sheikh Mohammed received from Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi asserted that the missile strikes were directed at American interests and not intended for the Gulf state. However, Sheikh Mohammed categorically rejected this, pointing out that the missile attacks had hit civilian and residential areas in Qatar, including the vicinity of Hamad International Airport, vital infrastructure, and industrial zones linked to liquefied natural gas production.

Sheikh Mohammed described these strikes as a violation of Qatar's sovereignty and international law. He further noted that the attacks included not just missiles but also involved drones and aircraft that entered Qatari airspace, which were intercepted by Qatar's armed forces.

His Excellency accused Iran of pursuing an escalatory approach, lacking genuine intent for de-escalation or resolution, and attempting to draw neighboring states into a conflict. He called for an immediate cessation of attacks on regional states and urged all parties to prioritize the broader interests of their peoples.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar's preference for dialogue and diplomacy but affirmed that any violation of its sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity would be met with a response. He cited the country's right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter as justification for any necessary actions.