Qatar Expels Iranian Military and Security Attachés Following Missile Attack on Ras Laffan

The State of Qatar announced on Wednesday that it has taken strict diplomatic measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran, requesting the military and security attachés at the Iranian embassy to leave the country within a maximum period of 24 hours. This decision came after the aforementioned diplomats were declared persona non grata, a move that reflects the escalating tension between Doha and Tehran following recent field developments.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Iranian Ambassador to the State, Ali Saleh Abadi, to deliver an official memorandum containing the details of the sovereign decision. The memorandum clarified that this measure includes the military attaché, the security attaché, and all personnel working in the two attachés affiliated with the embassy, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the specified departure deadline.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry affirmed in an official statement that this move comes in response to what it described as 'the brutal Iranian aggression' that targeted Qatari territories and repeatedly violated its national sovereignty. The ministry indicated that these actions constitute a clear breach of the principles of international law and the rules of good neighborliness, as well as a blatant violation of UN Security Council Resolution No. (2817).

Qatari authorities warned that the continuation of the hostile approach by the Iranian side would be met with additional and firm measures to ensure the protection of national interests and national security. The ministry stressed that Doha would not tolerate taking all necessary steps to defend its sovereignty and stability in light of the direct threats its vital facilities have been exposed to.

On the ground, the Qatari Ministry of Defense revealed details of the missile attack the country was subjected to, confirming that Iran launched five ballistic missiles towards Qatari targets. The Qatari Defense explained that air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed four of these missiles before they reached their targets, preventing a larger catastrophe.

However, the fifth missile fell within the boundaries of Ras Laffan Industrial City, one of the world's most important energy centers, leading to a fire at the targeted site. According to official sources, firefighting and civil defense teams rushed to the scene to control the flames and prevent their spread to sensitive neighboring facilities in the industrial area.

For its part, Qatar Energy confirmed that the missile attacks indeed targeted Ras Laffan City, indicating the activation of maximum emergency plans immediately after the incident. The company stated in a communiqué that rapid response teams were able to deal with the fires resulting from the shelling, with a comprehensive survey being conducted to assess the damage to vital facilities.

The company reassured the public about the safety of human resources, confirming that no injuries or fatalities among workers at the site have been recorded so far. However, the company acknowledged 'significant' material damage to some facilities belonging to the industrial city, noting that work is underway to accurately quantify it.

In a related context, the Qatari Ministry of Interior announced raising the security threat level across the country to high degrees to confront any potential repercussions. The ministry affirmed that security agencies are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautionary measures to ensure the security and safety of citizens and residents on Qatari territory.

_The Qatari Foreign Ministry considered that targeting energy facilities represents a dangerous escalation and a direct threat not only to Qatar's security but also to the stability of the entire region and global energy security. Sources stated that Doha had repeatedly called for avoiding the targeting of civilian facilities, but Iran's insistence on this approach reflects an irresponsible policy.

This attack raises widespread international concerns about its implications for global oil and gas markets, given Ras Laffan's status as a strategic center for liquefied natural gas exports. Observers believe that this geopolitical development in the Gulf region may lead to further exacerbation of regional and international relations with Tehran in the coming days.

In conclusion, official bodies in Qatar emphasized their commitment to defending the capabilities of the Qatari people and the state's sovereignty by all legitimate means guaranteed by international law. Civil defense teams and relevant authorities continue to monitor the situation in Ras Laffan to ensure full control over the field repercussions of the recent missile attack.

The decision comes against the backdrop of repeated Iranian targeting and brutal aggression that has affected the State of Qatar and violated its sovereignty and security, in blatant contravention of the principles of international law.