On a tense Monday afternoon, high-ranking Qatari officials were engaged in crucial discussions with the Prime Minister, exploring ways to de-escalate the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The atmosphere was charged with concern, as tensions had been rising for over a week. Suddenly, defense ministry personnel alerted them to an imminent threat: Iranian missiles were airborne and heading toward Qatar.
This surprise attack marked the first missile strike on the Gulf region, catching Qatari officials completely off guard. Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, vividly recalls the unsettling moment when the Prime Minister’s residence shook from the interceptions occurring overhead.
Rising Tensions in the Gulf
Earlier that day, unease permeated the Gulf Arab states. The glitzy, oil-rich capitals feared a catastrophic strike that could shatter the facade of stability. The region had been embroiled in conflict for 12 days, following a series of escalating exchanges between Israel and Iran, which included US airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
In Bahrain, home to the US Naval Command, residents were advised to avoid main roads, while Kuwait activated shelters in ministerial complexes. Nearby, in the bustling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, anxious residents hurriedly booked flights out of the region, while others stockpiled essential supplies, anticipating further escalation. In Doha, the atmosphere was tense, as US and UK citizens were instructed to seek shelter, and American military personnel were evacuated from Al Udeid Air Base.
Qatar’s advanced early warning military radar system had detected movements of Iranian missile batteries toward the country earlier that day. However, the precise nature of the threat remained uncertain until shortly before the attack.
“It could’ve been misdirected to lead us away from the actual target,” explained a Qatari defense official. “But as we approached the hour before the attack, it became evident that Al Udeid Base was the intended target.”
The Missile Attack
At approximately 7 p.m. local time, Qatari military officials confirmed that Iran's missiles were airborne and en route to Al Udeid. In a swift and decisive response, Qatar deployed 300 service members and activated multiple Patriot anti-air missile batteries at two strategic locations to counter the incoming threat.
US President Donald Trump reported that 14 missiles were launched from Iran, but Qatari forces executed a coordinated defense operation that was largely led by Qatar itself, according to Al-Ansari.
Seven missiles were successfully intercepted over the Persian Gulf, while another 11 were neutralized over Doha, preventing any damage to populated areas. One missile did land in an uninhabited section of the base, causing minimal damage.
Despite receiving intelligence from Washington about the potential threat, Qatar did not get any advance warning directly from Iran regarding the attack. Al-Ansari pointed out that Iran had previously communicated that any US attack on Iranian soil would render American bases in the region legitimate targets.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, reiterated this warning to Gulf counterparts during a meeting in Istanbul just a day before the strikes, emphasizing the precarious situation in the region.
The Diplomatic Response
In the wake of the missile attack, President Trump reached out to Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to convey that Israel was open to a ceasefire and urged Qatar to facilitate a similar agreement with Iran.
As discussions unfolded regarding potential retaliatory measures, the US proposed an opportunity for regional stability. Qatar’s role as a mediator became crucial during this critical juncture. Chief negotiator Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi engaged in discussions with Iranian representatives, while Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani communicated with US Vice President JD Vance.
Al-Ansari described the situation as pivotal: “All options were on the table that night. We could have retaliated, but we also recognized that this moment could foster peace in a region that has seen little of it for two years. The stakes were incredibly high, and we needed to think strategically.”
Qatar’s Unique Position
Qatar's position as a mediator stems from its unique relationships with both Iran and the United States. The country has maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran while hosting a significant US military presence. This duality has enabled Qatar to act as a facilitator in regional conflicts, often serving as a backchannel for negotiations.
Qatar’s foreign policy emphasizes dialogue and diplomacy over military confrontation, which has contributed to its ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. Al-Ansari further emphasized this point, stating, “We do not take it lightly for our country to be attacked by missiles from any side. We would never use such an attack as part of political posturing. Our priority is the safety of our people.”
The Ceasefire Agreement
Shortly after the discussions, Trump announced on social media that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel had been successfully brokered, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for Qatar amidst a volatile regional landscape.
The ceasefire not only diffused an immediate crisis but also opened the door for potential long-term negotiations aimed at stabilizing the region. Qatar's successful mediation highlighted its growing influence in Middle Eastern diplomacy and underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
Al-Ansari concluded, “This was a complete surprise to us, and we recognized the importance of seizing this moment for the sake of regional peace. Our commitment to diplomacy remains unwavering, and we will continue to work towards a more stable future for all.”
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