Doha (TDI): Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani acknowledged on Tuesday that Iran’s missile strike on a US military base in Qatar had strained relations between the two countries. However, he expressed hope that ties with Iran could be repaired over time.
Speaking at a press conference alongside his Lebanese counterpart in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed said the attack had clearly impacted Qatar-Iran relations.
“What happened will definitely leave a scar,” he noted. “But I hope that, with time, all parties involved understand that good neighborly relations must be respected and preserved.”
The incident occurred on Monday, when Iran launched a missile barrage targeting the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, a response to US involvement in Israel’s aerial campaign against Iran.
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Tehran reportedly gave advance notice of the strike, and no casualties were reported. A ceasefire was declared shortly afterward.
Qatar, known for its diplomatic mediation in the region, including efforts between the US and Iran, and between Israel and Hamas, played a behind-the-scenes role in de-escalating the situation.
Sheikh Mohammed confirmed that Doha coordinated with Tehran at Washington’s request to help broker the ceasefire, according to media reports.
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“We sincerely hope the ceasefire holds and that both sides return to talks,” he said. “Qatar has always advocated for diplomatic engagement as the only sustainable path forward.”
Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s close alliance with the United States, calling it “a partnership that continues to grow stronger.”
He also disclosed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed regret in a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, saying the missile strike on Qatari soil was not intended to harm Doha, but was aimed at responding to US airstrikes.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
