Qatar Kicks Out Iran Attache After Strike On Largest Liquefied Natural Gas Plant

• 19.03.2026, 8:55

The same is true for all employees working in both attaché offices.

Qatar has reacted to an Iranian missile attack on the industrial city of Ras Laffan, home to the world's largest liquefied natural gas production center. In response, Doha declared the military and security attachés at the Iranian embassy persona non grata.

The same applies to all staff working in both attaché offices. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a X statement on March 18.

"The Foreign Ministry has sent an official memorandum to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the state, noting that the State of Qatar considers both the military attaché and the security attaché at the embassy, as well as the staff of the two attachés, as persona non grata and asks them to leave the territory of the state within a maximum of 24 hours," the ministry said.

To this end, Ibrahim Yousef Fakhro, director of the Foreign Ministry's Protocol Department, met with Ali Saleh Abadi, Iran's ambassador to Qatar.

The ministry explained that this decision about the attachés in Doha was taken in light of "repeated Iranian attacks and brutal aggression that have affected Qatar and violated its sovereignty and security." It noted that this is a blatant violation of the principles of international law and the rules of good neighborliness.

The Foreign Ministry warned that if the Iranian side continues this hostile approach, Qatar will take additional measures to ensure the protection of its sovereignty, security and national interests.

"The ministry reiterated that the State of Qatar reserves the right to take any necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security in accordance with the provisions of international law," it said.