Iran Tells Qatar Strike on US Base Was Self-Defense, Reaffirms ‘Brotherly’ Ties

Tehran/Doha—24 June 2025: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has assured Qatar that Tehran’s recent missile strike on the U.S.-run Al-Udeid Air Base was a limited and defensive action, taken in direct response to American involvement in a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

In a phone conversation on Tuesday with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran harbors no hostility toward its neighbors, especially Qatar, which he described as a “brotherly and friendly nation.”

“This call is made out of deep respect for Your Highness and the noble people of Qatar,” Pezeshkian said. “The missile operation was a reaction to the overt and direct participation of the United States in the Zionist regime’s military assault on Iran.”

The Iranian president was referring to coordinated airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, which Tehran has blamed on Washington and Tel Aviv. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles targeting the American military presence in the Gulf, including Al-Udeid, the largest U.S. base in the region.

Pezeshkian reiterated that the response was calculated, lawful, and rooted in the principle of national sovereignty.

“This should not be interpreted as a confrontation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and its friendly, brotherly, and neighbouring country Qatar,” he said.

The president made it clear that Iran values its longstanding relationship with Doha, citing Qatar’s consistent solidarity during regional crises. He praised Sheikh Tamim’s efforts to de-escalate the situation, describing them as “honorable and appreciated.”

“Iran’s government and people are aware of Qatar’s friendly and brotherly intentions,” Pezeshkian noted. “We are grateful for your empathy, solidarity, and consistent support in difficult times.”

Addressing broader regional implications, Pezeshkian stated that Iran will not be weakened by military aggression, asserting that the Islamic Republic is not comparable to other conflict zones.

“Iran is not Gaza, Lebanon, or Syria,” he said. “The Zionist regime and its backers now understand that they cannot destabilise the Islamic Republic through a few attacks.”

He further revealed that Iran had been actively pursuing diplomatic avenues when the country came under attack, which forced Tehran to deliver a firm response before resuming any negotiations.

“Diplomacy under the threat of military action is no more than coercion,” Pezeshkian said. “We could not accept that without first delivering a clear response.”

The phone call marks a significant diplomatic gesture by Iran to maintain regional alliances while sending a strong message to Washington and its partners. Tehran insists its retaliation was “measured and defensive” and that it poses no threat to Gulf nations.

The conversation follows Iran’s missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid base, launched in retaliation to the weekend’s strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. No major casualties were reported, and regional governments are now calling for restraint on all sides.

President Pezeshkian concluded the call by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to deepen strategic relations with Qatar and expressed hope that the “temporary military response” will not be misunderstood by friendly neighbors.