Doha, Qatar: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari (pictured) has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, protecting its infrastructure, and maintaining stability through coordinated defense measures and active diplomatic engagement.
He rebutted Iranian narrative of attacking US bases saying that “these justifications have no basis in reality and appear to be attempts to legitimize blatant aggression” and drag the region into a broader conflict.
“It is well known fact that the Sultanate of Oman had been making sincere mediation efforts until the last moment to prevent the current escalation. Qatar and other Gulf states strongly supported those efforts. Claims that pressure on certain parties would force a return to negotiations are unfounded and merely serve to justify violations of sovereignty and the principles of good neighborliness.”
“Any attack on Qatari territory whether targeting Qatari interests, foreign embassies, or military facilities constitutes a violation of Qatari sovereignty.”
To a question regarding claims by the Iranian Foreign Minister about prior notification, Al Ansari said that these statements are completely unfounded. “There was no prior warning of the attack. On the contrary, Qatar was taken by surprise by these unprovoked assaults. The aggression was not limited to military targets but extended to Qatari territory and civilian infrastructure.”
He also commended the Qatari Armed Forces, who have demonstrated from the first day that Qatar is capable of defending itself and safeguarding its citizens and residents.
Dr. Majed in a media briefing yesterday gave further details on the key energy and industrial facilities that were targeted during the Iran attacks on Monday. He also added that Iranian targets are not just military but all of country’s territory.
He said, “In Mesaieed, the strike was directed at a fully integrated industrial complex that includes essential operational and service links within the country’s industrial infrastructure. In Ras Laffan, vital facilities and storage tanks forming a core component of Qatar’s energy infrastructure were targeted.”
He further stated that the damage at both locations was contained following immediate response measures. “Technical assessment operations are currently underway to ensure the safety of the facilities, the continuity of operations, and full compliance with safety standards. As previously announced by QatarEnergy, production has been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to safeguard employees and ensure operational security,” Al Ansari added.
To a question, he said Qatar had not been in contact with Iran since the start of the strikes.
He further said that Qatar’s military thwarted attacks on Hamad International Airport (on Monday). “There were attempts to attack Hamad International Airport, they were all thwarted... the missiles were downed by our defensive measures, and none of them have reached the airport,” he said.
He also said that the crews of the two Iranian aircraft shot down on Monday (March 2) remain missing. Providing details about the incident, in which two SU24 aircrafts from Iran entered Qatari airspace and were subsequently shot down, Al Ansari said, “The aircraft crossed the border and entered Qatari airspace. Upon entry, the pilots were warned in accordance with the rules of engagement. After confirming that the aircraft were heading toward the city of Doha based on their flight path, they were engaged and the rules of engagement were fully applied.”
He added that search operations for the crews are currently underway, and that the threat has been completely neutralized.
Al Ansari also dubbed the media reports suggesting that defensive systems have been depleted as “entirely false”. He added: “Interceptor missile stocks have not been exhausted, and the country remains at full readiness. The dissemination of false information targeting the region’s security is irresponsible and will be addressed in accordance with applicable laws. Qatar continues to coordinate with allies and partners regionally and internationally to ensure full integration of its defense systems.”
Speaking about the interception of projectiles targeting Qatar, Al Ansari said Qatar’s air defense systems successfully intercepted 98 out of 101 ballistic missiles and all of the three cruise missiles launched.
Additionally, 39 drones were detected, with 24 successfully shot down. Two SU-24 fighter jets were also shot down. Responding to a question about reassesing defence startegy, he said, “Reviewing and updating our defensive strategies is a constant and healthy practice for any government dealing with such circumstances. Our plans and legal frameworks have demonstrated their effectiveness, as we have seen both on the military level—where real harm to the country was prevented—and on the civilian level, through the effective response of the Ministry of Interior and other national authorities in managing the crisis.” Throughout this crisis, he said, there has been transparent communication with citizens and residents, along with clear plans to address humanitarian and daily life needs. “As you can see, life in Doha is proceeding normally, and the situation remains stable. The focus now is on responding to the aggression against Qatar and Gulf countries, both militarily and politically. What happens next will depend on developments on the ground.”
He also said that Qatar’s strategic water reserves remain secure and sufficient, and there is no threat to water security in the country.
Regarding transit passengers, he said said almost 8,000 people are stranded in Qatar due to the airspace closure. “The state has facilitated visa extensions and residency arrangements until the crisis subsides. Qatari authorities are ensuring their safety and welfare, as well as that of tourists and other visitors.”
