Qatar Expels Iranian Military Envoys After Missile Strike on Key LNG Facility

Qatar on Wednesday declared the military and security attachés at the Iranian embassy in Doha, along with their staff, as persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country within 24 hours. The decision follows what Doha described as a direct and unlawful act of aggression by Iran against its sovereign territory.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the move was prompted by “repeated Iranian targeting and blatant aggression” that violated Qatar’s sovereignty and security, in breach of international law and established diplomatic norms.

The expulsion came shortly after Iranian missiles struck Ras Laffan Industrial City, the site of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility and a cornerstone of Qatar’s economy.

In an official statement, the foreign ministry confirmed that a formal diplomatic note had been delivered to the Iranian embassy, instructing the military and security attachés, along with associated personnel, to depart the country. The ministry described the attack as a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and cited breaches of international legal principles, including United Nations Security Council frameworks and norms of good neighbourly relations.

Doha further warned that any continued aggression by Iran would be met with “additional measures” aimed at safeguarding national security and strategic interests, reiterating its right to take all necessary actions to defend its territory.

Damage to Critical Energy Infrastructure

Earlier, Qatar’s Interior Ministry reported that Civil Defence teams were responding to a major fire at Ras Laffan Industrial City following the missile strike. State-owned energy giant QatarEnergy later confirmed that the attack had caused “extensive damage” to its primary gas processing facilities.

“All personnel have been accounted for, and no casualties have been reported at this time,” the company stated.

The strike represents a significant escalation, given Qatar’s central role in global LNG supply chains. Any prolonged disruption could have far-reaching implications for international energy markets.

Regional Escalation and Broader Impact

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a direct threat to national and regional security, accusing Iran of engaging in destabilising actions that undermine stability across the Gulf.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting and destroying four ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh, along with thwarting a drone attack on a gas facility in the country’s eastern region.

The intensifying conflict has raised fears of a broader regional crisis, with oil prices reportedly climbing toward $110 per barrel amid concerns over supply disruptions. Shipping operations across one of the world’s most critical energy corridors have already been affected, and further damage to infrastructure could have lasting global consequences.

Iran had earlier issued evacuation warnings for several energy installations across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—including facilities at Ras Laffan—indicating they could be targeted in imminent strikes.

The escalation follows a recent strike by the Israeli Air Force on a natural gas processing facility in Iran, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing confrontation. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of “uncontrolled consequences,” heightening concerns of a wider geopolitical fallout.