Qatar Declares Iranian Attaches Persona Non‑Grata After Ras Laffan Missile Attack
Missile attack on Ras Laffan LNG hub triggers diplomatic fallout as Doha orders Iranian officials to leave within 24 hours
Doha, Mar 19: Qatar has declared Iranian military and security attaches “persona non grata” and ordered them to leave the country within 24 hours, following a missile strike on the Ras Laffan Industrial City, the nation’s vital liquefied natural gas hub.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited repeated Iranian aggression and violations of Qatari sovereignty as the reason for the expulsions. The decision was officially communicated to Iran’s ambassador, Ali Salehabadi, by Qatar’s Director of Protocol, Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro.
Qatari authorities described the strike as a blatant act of hostility that breached international law, United Nations Security Council resolutions, and principles of good neighborliness. The government warned that any continued hostile actions by Tehran would trigger additional measures to safeguard national security and sovereignty.
The missile attack severely impacted Ras Laffan, one of the world’s most important LNG processing centers, sparking fires that emergency teams quickly contained. While no casualties were reported, the disruption underscores the facility’s critical role in global energy supply and has heightened concerns over energy market volatility.
Qatar condemned the strike as a dangerous escalation, stressing that the safety of its energy infrastructure and regional stability remain a top priority. The diplomatic action signals the start of a broader response strategy to protect national interests amid rising tensions in the Gulf.
