Iran Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Ties with Qatar After Retaliatory Strike on US Base
Tehran/Doha—24 June 2025: Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing relations with Qatar following its retaliatory missile strike on the US-run Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, emphasizing that the operation was strictly defensive and not directed at the Qatari government or people.
In a phone conversation on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi assured Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani that the Islamic Republic remains deeply committed to the principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, and regional cooperation.
“Iran will not allow its friendly relations with neighboring countries to be undermined by the evil acts of the Israeli regime and the United States,” Araghchi said.
He praised Qatar’s leadership for condemning the recent US-Israeli attacks and for playing a constructive role in efforts to prevent further regional escalation.
The statements follow a major flare-up in regional tensions. On June 13, Israel carried out a high-profile attack inside Iran, reportedly killing several military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Days later, on June 22, the United States joined in by launching airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, a move Iran described as a grave violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In response, Iran conducted a missile strike on the Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in West Asia, located near Doha. Iran declared the strike a legitimate act of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, aimed at deterring further aggression.
Foreign Minister Araghchi stressed that the strike was not an act of hostility toward Qatar but a necessary response to the direct military aggression by the United States.
“The missile operation was a response to the US violation of Iran’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he said. “It should not be considered an action against the friendly and brotherly government of Qatar.”
In a separate call, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, thanked Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, for Doha’s efforts to prevent further deterioration of regional security.
Takht-Ravanchi stressed that Iran would not allow the US and Israel to sow division among neighboring states, reaffirming Iran’s intent to deepen bilateral ties with Qatar.
“We are committed to unity and solidarity in the region,” he said, praising the long-standing and “friendly” relations between the Iranian and Qatari people.
Qatar, in turn, reiterated its readiness to support regional stability. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the importance of joint efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent a broader conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also issued a statement on Tuesday, stressing that the strike on the Al-Udeid base was conducted within the framework of international law and self-defense.
“Iran’s defensive action was not aimed at Qatar,” Baghaei said. “We continue to value our deep-rooted and friendly relations with the Qatari government and people.”