On March 18, Iran conducted missile strikes on the industrial city of Ras Laffan in Qatar, causing significant damage and igniting fires in the area. Ras Laffan is known for housing the world’s largest natural gas field.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the national oil and gas company, QatarEnergy, confirmed the attacks. In an official statement, the Ministry condemned Iran’s actions, stating,
“The Iranian side continues to target Qatar and neighboring countries, demonstrating a reckless approach that undermines regional security and threatens international peace.”
QatarEnergy corroborated reports of the missile strikes, which occurred on Wednesday evening, and noted that emergency responders are currently addressing the aftermath of the attacks.
In response to these incidents, Qatar’s diplomatic mission delivered a formal note to the Iranian embassy, declaring the military and security attachés as persona non grata. The Qatari government has demanded their departure from the country within 24 hours.
Qatar further asserted that Iran’s actions violated the country’s sovereignty and security, as well as principles of international law.
Ras Laffan serves as a vital hub for the energy sector in the South Pars region, which encompasses the largest natural gas field globally, shared between Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf.
Iran's missile strikes on Ras Laffan have escalated tensions in the region, prompting Qatar to expel Iranian diplomatic personnel and highlighting concerns over regional security and international law violations.