Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani has strongly condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, describing it as an unacceptable act that violates Qatar's policy of good neighborliness.
According to Qatar News Agency, in a joint press conference with HE Prime Minister of Lebanon Dr. Nawaf Salam, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar's adherence to a policy of transparency and good neighborliness with Iran. He expressed Qatar's condemnation of the attack and highlighted the nation's continuous efforts to maintain peaceful relations despite the aggression.
Sheikh Mohammed noted that Qatar had previously condemned Israeli attacks on Iranian territory and reiterated that Qatar does not wish harm upon the Iranian people. He acknowledged the efforts of Qatar's Armed Forces, under HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in repelling the attack, emphasizing their capability to defend the nation.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Qatar's allies, particularly the GCC countries, for their support and solidarity. He announced that Doha would host an extraordinary GCC Ministerial Council meeting to discuss the regional developments following the attack.
Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of responsible actions in the region, condemning Israeli attacks in the area and advocating for diplomacy over escalation. He shared that Qatar is engaging with international partners to de-escalate tensions and has been in communication with both the US and Iranian leadership to address the situation.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to peaceful resolutions and called for a return to nuclear talks between the US and Iran. He also highlighted Qatar's ongoing efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza, in collaboration with Egypt and the United States.
In discussions with Lebanese Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, Sheikh Mohammed addressed bilateral relations and Lebanon's energy needs. Both leaders condemned the attack on Qatar and Israeli aggression in the region, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions.
Dr. Salam expressed Lebanon's appreciation for Qatar's support and reiterated Lebanon's commitment to regional stability and sovereignty. He called for international pressure on Israel to end its occupation and aggression against Lebanon.
The press conference highlighted the united front of Qatar and Lebanon in seeking diplomatic resolutions to regional conflicts and maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf region.