Qatar has taken a dramatic diplomatic step by declaring Iran’s military and security attaches at its embassy in Doha, along with associated staff, persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within 24 hours.
The decision, announced by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday, comes amid escalating regional tensions and repeated strikes attributed to Iran against Qatari territory.
According to the ministry, the move is a direct response to what it described as Iran’s continued attacks on the country, including recent strikes on critical energy infrastructure.
The latest escalation follows reported missile attacks on Qatar’s largest gas production hub at Ras Laffan Industrial City, part of the operations managed by QatarEnergy.
The strikes allegedly caused fires and significant damage, despite earlier evacuations triggered by security warnings.
Qatar said it has formally notified the Iranian embassy of the expulsion and warned that further action may follow if attacks continue.
The Foreign Ministry stressed that it reserves the right to take “all necessary measures” to protect its sovereignty, security, and national interests under international law.
The diplomatic fallout adds to rising tensions across the Gulf, where Iran has been accused of expanding its retaliation campaign following the wider conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Tehran, meanwhile, has maintained that its actions are in response to strikes on its own energy infrastructure and says Gulf states hosting or supporting Western military operations are legitimate targets.
Qatar, alongside other Gulf countries, has reported intercepting multiple missiles and drones in recent days, though some have reportedly breached defenses, causing damage.
The latest expulsions signal a sharp deterioration in Qatar–Iran relations and raise fears of further diplomatic and military escalation in an already volatile region.
