West Asia War: Qatar expels Iranian attaches as 'persona non-grata' after Ras Laffan missile strike, grants 24 hours to leave

Qatar ordered Iranian military and security attaches to leave the country within 24 hours on Thursday following a missile strike on the Ras Laffan Industrial City - the country's critical gas hub.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the officials “persona non grata,” citing repeated Iranian aggression and violations of sovereignty.

The decision was formally communicated through an official note delivered to the Iranian Embassy during a meeting between Qatar’s Director of Protocol, Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and Iran’s ambassador to Doha, Ali Salehabadi.


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Qatar said the move was a direct response to “repeated Iranian targeting” and what it described as blatant aggression against its sovereignty and security.

"The ministry explained that this decision comes in response to repeated Iranian targeting and the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar, which violated its sovereignty and security, in a flagrant breach of the principles of international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution No. (2817), and the principles of good neighborliness," the statement read.

Doha accused Tehran of violating international law and breaching principles of good neighbourliness, warning that continued hostile actions would be met with further measures. The government also made it clear that it reserves the right to take all necessary steps to protect its national interests, signaling that diplomatic expulsions may be just the beginning of a broader response.

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"The ministry stressed that the continuation of this hostile approach by the Iranian side will be met with additional measures by the State of Qatar, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security, and national interests," the Ministry's statement further noted.

Missile strike rattles global energy hub

The diplomatic rupture follows a direct strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City, located north of Doha and considered the backbone of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas production. The facility, one of the most important energy processing hubs in the world, was hit by missiles and thereafter shut down in what officials say is part of a widening Iranian retaliation campaign across the Gulf.

QatarEnergy confirmed that the attack caused significant damage and sparked fires at the site. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the situation, and authorities said all personnel were accounted for, with no casualties reported.

Despite the absence of injuries, the impact of the strike is being felt far beyond Qatar’s borders.

Ras Laffan plays a central role in global LNG supply, and any disruption raises concerns about energy security and price volatility worldwide. The attack has already heightened fears of prolonged instability in energy markets as tensions continue to rise.

Qatar’s government condemned the strike as a “dangerous escalation” and a direct threat not only to its own security but also to the stability of the wider region.