Qatar says 65 missiles, 12 drones intercepted in Iranian retaliatory strikes

Qatari officials revealed Sunday that air defense forces successfully intercepted 65 ballistic missiles and 12 unmanned aerial vehicles during Iran's retaliatory strikes targeting American and Israeli interests in the Gulf state. At a joint news conference, representatives from Qatar's interior, defense and foreign affairs ministries provided detailed accounts of the attack that left eight people injured from falling debris.

The defense ministry confirmed that despite the intensity of the assault, which approached from multiple directions, Qatar's air defense systems demonstrated high effectiveness in neutralizing most incoming projectiles. However, officials acknowledged that two ballistic missiles struck the US-operated Al-Udeid military base, while an unmanned aerial vehicle targeted an early warning radar installation. Crucially, authorities emphasized there were no fatalities resulting from the strikes.

Civilian Impact and Official Response

The Interior Ministry reported receiving 114 separate reports related to falling shrapnel across Qatari territory, with eight individuals confirmed injured, including one person in serious condition. Officials urged citizens, residents and visitors to remain calm, follow instructions from authorities, and avoid spreading or believing unverified information circulating on social media platforms.

Security measures remain in place across critical facilities as authorities work to maintain public order following the unprecedented attack. The ministry stressed that all Qatari institutions continue functioning normally despite the security incident.

Diplomatic Condemnation

The Foreign Ministry delivered a strongly worded condemnation of Iran's action, describing the attack as "a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct infringement on its security and territorial integrity." Officials characterized the strikes as "unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region," highlighting the grave danger such actions pose to Gulf stability.

Noting Qatar's consistent calls for dialogue and de-escalation, the ministry emphasized that repeated targeting of Qatari territory contradicts principles of "good neighborliness" and cannot be justified under any circumstances. The statement warned that renewed targeting undermines the foundational understanding upon which bilateral relations between Doha and Tehran are constructed, potentially setting back years of diplomatic efforts to maintain constructive engagement between the two nations.

The Iranian retaliatory barrage comes amid heightened regional tensions following US and Israeli joint military operations against Iranian territory, threatening to ignite a broader conflict that could engulf the entire Gulf region.