‘Proud as a Qatari’: PM Praises Unity As Iranian Strikes Hit Gulf, Explosions Reported In Doha

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, praised national unity and resilience as the country contends with what he described as "repeated attacks from Iran," and vowed to protect daily life from disruption.

Cabinet Address: Unity and Resilience

Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the prime minister — who also serves as Qatar's foreign minister — said Tehran had struck both military and civilian sites, "showing little regard for the harm inflicted upon Qatar and the resources of its people." He thanked citizens and residents for their cohesion and lauded the "resilience" of those living in Qatar during a critical period.

"I cannot fail to express my pride, as a Qatari, in the cohesion of our society and the unity of its ranks, citizens and residents alike," Sheikh Mohammed told ministers.

Security, Continuity and Leadership

The prime minister praised Qatar's armed forces for working "day and night to ensure the safety and security we enjoy" and said officials — following directions from Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani — are "working diligently to ensure that the normal course of life for citizens and residents remains uninterrupted." He emphasized the importance of perseverance, noting that "Qatar has faced many difficult challenges in recent years" and has "emerged stronger" each time.

Regional Incidents and International Response

Qatar's military reported intercepting Iranian missiles amid explosions in the capital, Doha. Iran has launched missiles and drones across the Gulf region, and neighbouring countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman have reported strikes or interceptions. On Wednesday, drones struck fuel tanks at Oman's Salalah port, authorities said.

Qatar's ambassador to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, condemned the strikes as a "clear violation of international law," warning that inaction by the UN Security Council would send "a dangerous signal" that attacks on uninvolved neighbours carry no consequences. The Security Council subsequently approved a resolution denouncing the strikes on Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Human Cost And Calls For Dialogue

Reports indicate the wider conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties; more than 1,300 civilians are reported killed in Iran, and Iranian authorities say nearly 10,000 civilian sites have been damaged. Sheikh Mohammed urged both sides to return to the negotiating table, warning that the strikes on neighbouring countries "benefit no one."