Iran Strikes Qatar Amidst Escalating Regional Conflict

Doha, Qatar – Qatar has been targeted by a barrage of Iranian missiles and drones, prompting the Qatari leadership to describe the attacks as a “great betrayal” amidst a wider regional conflict sparked by U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran. The attacks began on February 28, 2026, following the breakdown of U.S.-Iran negotiations and have continued as of March 9, 2026.

Recent Attacks and Disruptions

Explosions were heard in Doha as Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region. Qatar’s airspace was closed on the day of the initial strikes, disrupting flights from Hamad International Airport [1]. The Qatari Interior Ministry has urged citizens to remain indoors due to increasing security threats.

Qatar’s Response and Accusations of Betrayal

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani expressed a strong sense of betrayal following the Iranian attacks. In an interview with Sky News [2], Sheikh Mohammed stated that Qatar and other Gulf countries were attacked just hours after the start of the conflict, despite assurances that they would not participate in any war against Iran and ongoing diplomatic efforts.

“Iran’s miscalculation to attack the Gulf countries has destroyed everything,” Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that Qatar rejects the justifications used for the escalation. He also noted his surprise that Iran continued attacks even after an apology from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who stated that Gulf countries would no longer be targeted if they did not attack Iran.

Regional Context and Ongoing Conflict

The attacks on Qatar are part of a broader pattern of Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region, targeting countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait [2]. These strikes follow initial U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, after the collapse of negotiations between the two countries [1].

Iran-Qatar Relations

Historically, Iran and Qatar have maintained a close economic relationship, particularly in the oil and gas industries, jointly controlling the world’s largest natural gas field [3]. However, relations deteriorated rapidly in early 2026 with the onset of the conflict, shifting from pragmatic energy cooperation to military hostility [3].

Casualties and Losses

As of March 9, 2026, Qatar reports that two Su-24 aircraft have been downed and 16 civilians injured as a result of the Iranian strikes [1]. Iran has reportedly had one MQ-9 Reaper shot down [1].

Qatar’s Stance

Despite the attacks, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that Qatar will continue to seek de-escalation and engage in dialogue with Iran [2].