Qatar Calls for Gulf Self-Reliance as It Rejects Iran’s Legal Justifications for Recent Attacks

On September 7, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari told the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi that Gulf states must achieve “self-sufficiency when it comes to security.” The remarks came amid a six-month stalemate between the United States and Iran, during which Iranian missile and drone strikes have repeatedly hit energy facilities and civilian targets in Qatar and neighboring Gulf countries.

The Media LineQatar strsses need for Gulf unity, says alliances with US alone cannot guarantee security Channel News Asia - CNAQatar reinforces de-escalation push, rejectspoliticisation of maritime navigation: Analysts Qatar rejects Iran claims in two identical letters to UN chief and Security Council president

Since the start of the US-Iran conflict, Qatar has hosted the largest U.S. base in the region (Al Udeid Air Base) while maintaining diplomatic contacts with Tehran. Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on Qatari territory, including a March 18 strike on the Ras Laffan gas complex and earlier assaults on residential and commercial areas.

The Media Line

• The letters also rejected Iran’s invocation of the right of self-defence under Article 51, stating the required conditions were not met.

Qatar rejects Iran claims in two identical letters to UN chief and Security Council president

• Iran’s counter-claim – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei asserted that the attacks “targeted military objectives exclusively,” relying on a security assessment prepared for an International Telecommunication Union conference. Qatar’s foreign ministry responded that the assessment was not a comprehensive legal record and urged reference to the full UN-documented evidence.

Qatar reinforces de-escalation push, rejectspoliticisation of maritime navigation: Analysts

• UN documentation – According to Al Ansari, two identical Qatari letters dated March 1, 2026 (UN document S/2026/110) recorded missile launches that injured 16 people. A subsequent communication dated July 20 recorded additional attacks that injured three people, including a child. The March 18 attack on Ras Laffan gas facilities was documented in UN communication S/2026/207.

Qatar reinforces de-escalation push, rejectspoliticisation of maritime navigation: Analysts

Qatar’s push for regional self-reliance reflects concerns that reliance on external powers may not guarantee protection of civilian infrastructure, especially energy assets that underpin global markets. The country also emphasizes that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must remain insulated from political coercion.

Qatar reinforces de-escalation push, rejectspoliticisation of maritime navigation: Analysts

Iran’s position, articulated by Baghaei, challenges Qatar’s characterization of the attacks, insisting they were legitimate responses aimed solely at military targets. This dispute over the legal status of the strikes underscores divergent interpretations of international law among the parties.

Qatar rejects Iran claims in two identical letters to UN chief and Security Council president

• “Self-sufficiency when it comes to security is the only way forward,” — Al Ansari, foreign ministry spokesperson

The Media Line

• “Qatar’s position is rooted in a simple but fundamental principle: regional disagreements cannot become a justification for placing civilian populations, economic infrastructure or international maritime routes at risk,” — Al Marri, researcher and writer

Qatar reinforces de-escalation push, rejectspoliticisation of maritime navigation: Analysts

Qatar will continue to submit detailed records of attacks to the United Nations and pursue diplomatic channels with regional actors while maintaining its mediation role and calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without conditions.

Qatar reinforces de-escalation push, rejectspoliticisation of maritime navigation: Analysts