Qatar denies US combat role from Al Udeid, says energy damage significant

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera’s “What Is Hidden Is Greater” program aired Friday, Deputy Chief of Staff for Joint Operations Shayeq Misfer al‑Hajri stated unequivocally that no US combat or logistical elements at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base took part in operations against Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al‑Ansari also rejected Tehran’s allegations that Qatar had handed over evidence of US forces using its territory, describing such claims as “untrue” and an attempt to justify Iranian attacks on Qatari soil.

Exclusive Footage and Infrastructure Damage

The program aired exclusive footage of Iranian ballistic missile debris falling on residential areas in Qatar and documented, for the first time, the targeting of the Ras Laffan power facility. Al‑Ansari confirmed that damage to the energy sector is significant but stressed that Qatar does not use the energy card for political pressure. He also noted that Qatari forces successfully repelled more than 90% of Iranian aerial attacks.

Regional Toll and Ceasefire Violations

According to an Anadolu tally, Iran targeted seven Arab countries, most of them in the Gulf, with at least 6,413 missiles and drones over the past 41 days, including attacks on the first and second days of the US‑Iran ceasefire that took effect on Tuesday. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched their offensive on Iran on 28 February, which has killed more than 3,000 people, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes against Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US assets, while also restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.