Qatar requests Iranian military and security attachés to leave within 24 hours

CAIRO – 18 March 2026: The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has demanded the military and security attachés at the Iranian embassy to leave the country within 24 hours.

The Ministry confirmed that the decision applies to both the attachés and their respective staff, requiring them to depart within the specified timeframe. Doha has declared these diplomats persona non grata, a move signaling a significant diplomatic escalation between the two countries.

The decision comes following an Iranian escalation targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs described that attach as a ‘dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of the state's sovereignty, as well as a direct threat to national security and regional stability’.

Doha stated that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens, emphasizing its right to respond in accordance with international law.

The Ministry clarified that the country reserves its full right to respond to the attack, as guaranteed by international law, in light of the recent escalation.

It noted that Iran continues its escalatory policies that are pushing the region ‘toward the brink’ and dragging countries not party to the crisis into the conflict.

Qatar reiterated its call for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and take decisive measures to stop these serious violations and deter the perpetrators. In the same context, the Qatari Ministry of Interior announced raising the security threat level, urging citizens and residents to remain in their homes and safe locations.

Qatari authorities on Wednesday announced that civil defense teams are responding to a fire that broke out in the Ras Laffan area following an Iranian attack on the region.

Officials confirmed that the fire in Ras Laffan was caused by an attack, and civil defense teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to control the blaze.

They explained that civil defense teams are conducting firefighting operations and managing the fire, in accordance with established emergency procedures for responding to such incidents.