Iran: Strike on US Base Was Self-Defense, Reaffirms Strong Qatar Ties

During a phone conversation on Tuesday, Masoud Pezeshkian conveyed to Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, that the assault on a U.S. airbase in Qatar was a strategic and constrained reaction to American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

He emphasized that the Islamic Republic holds no animosity towards its neighbors, especially the friendly nation of Qatar.

Pezeshkian highlighted that the strike was executed exclusively in defense of Iran’s sovereignty following a coordinated US-Israel attack on Iranian soil. He urged that the action should not be misconstrued as a threat to regional allies.

The foreign minister expressed that the call stemmed from profound respect for the leadership of Qatar and its honorable citizens. He remarked that the missile operation was in response to the explicit involvement of the United States in the military aggression by the Israeli forces on Iran. He further emphasized Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Qatar following the counterattack on a U.S. base.

This should not be seen as a conflict between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the friendly, brotherly, neighboring nation of Qatar, he stated.

Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s strong appreciation for its relationship with Doha, highlighting Qatar’s enduring support and brotherly approach, especially during times of crisis.

Iran has expressed its appreciation for Qatar, acknowledging the latter’s friendly and fraternal intentions. The government and people of Iran are grateful for the empathy, solidarity, and steadfast support extended by Qatar during challenging times.

The Iranian President emphasized the nation’s strength, asserting that Iran remains resilient and cannot be undermined by military interventions.

A statement has been issued declaring that Iran differs significantly from regions such as Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. It asserts that those supporting the Zionist regime have come to realize the difficulty of undermining the Islamic Republic through isolated assaults. The declaration emphasizes the determination of the Iranian populace to steadfastly defend their rights to the fullest extent.

In a statement, Pezeshkian emphasized that Tehran was involved in diplomatic negotiations at the time of the attack, prompting a strong defensive response from the country prior to re-engaging in further discussions. Additionally, footage has been released capturing the instant Iranian missile strikes impacted the US-operated al-Udeid airbase in Qatar. More details can be followed through the provided link.

He noted that while proposals for negotiations persisted, engaging in diplomacy under the looming threat of military action amounted to coercion, which was unacceptable without first issuing a resolute response to the Zionists.

Pezeshkian conveyed gratitude for Sheikh Tamim’s initiatives aimed at reducing tensions, reaffirming Tehran’s dedication to strengthening strategic ties with Doha.

Iran has expressed its gratitude to Qatar for its efforts to halt the conflict and for its solidarity and support towards Iranians. The recent missile strike, according to Iranian officials, was a direct response to the United States’ involvement in the military actions of what is referred to as the Zionist regime. They emphasized that the strike should not be interpreted as a hostile act towards Qatar. Iranian officials hope that both Qatar and its citizens recognize this context.

A call was made following an incident in which Iran conducted a retaliatory operation against the Al-Udeid base in Qatar, a facility run by the United States, in response to what it perceived as US aggression on its nuclear sites.

Tehran has clarified that its response was calculated, defensive in nature, and grounded in the principle of national sovereignty, emphasizing that it was not directed towards any neighboring nation.