Qatar PM Condemns Iran Attacks as Gulf Tensions Escalate
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, strongly condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Gulf states during a phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday. This marked the first high-level contact since Iran launched its military campaign.
Sheikh Mohammed accused Iran of trying to harm neighboring countries and drag them into a war that does not concern them. He urged an immediate halt to the attacks. He also said Iran struck civilian and residential areas.
However, Araghchi insisted that Iranian missiles targeted only US interests and did not aim at Qatar.
The conflict has heavily affected Gulf nations since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran over the weekend. An 11-year-old girl died in Kuwait on Wednesday after shrapnel hit her. Authorities tried to save her during transport to Al-Amiri Hospital, but she later died from her injuries.
So far, 13 people have died across Gulf countries, including seven civilians. The Pentagon confirmed that six US servicemen have died since Saturday, four of them in Kuwait.
The UAE and Qatar intercepted several Iranian drones and missiles. The UAE shot down three ballistic missiles and 121 out of 129 drones. Qatar destroyed 10 drones and two cruise missiles.
Kuwait’s military detected incoming projectiles and worked to intercept them in its airspace. Bahrain asked citizens to volunteer in health and other key sectors to support national efforts.
Saudi Arabia also intercepted two cruise missiles south of Riyadh. Authorities destroyed several drones after they entered Saudi airspace. The defense ministry later confirmed it shot down a drone targeting the Ras Tanura refinery. Officials said the attack caused no damage.
Financial markets reacted sharply. Stock indexes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi fell after trading resumed following a two-day suspension. Dubai’s main index dropped 4.7%, while Abu Dhabi’s index fell nearly 2%.
Qatar also announced the arrest of 10 suspects linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards. Authorities accused seven of spying on military and vital infrastructure. Officials said three suspects planned sabotage operations.
Iran’s attacks have increased tensions across the Gulf. The strikes have damaged relations and raised fears of a wider regional conflict.