Qatar Expels Iranian Military Attaches for Gas Field Attack

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an official note to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stating that Qatar considers both the military attache and the security attache at the embassy, in addition to the staff of the two attache offices "persona non grata", and requests that they leave the country within a maximum period of (24) hours.

This came during a meeting held Wednesday between HE Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and HE Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State Ali Salehabadi.

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.

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 affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, in accordance with the provisions of international law.

Trump warns Iran of severe backlash but downplays Israeli bombing of Iranian South Pars gas facility.

The warning followed Israel's March 18 strike on Iran's South Pars facility, which damaged gas plants.

In response, Iran retaliated with ballistic missile on Qatar's Ras Laffan complex hours later.

Trump distanced the U.S. from the Israeli action on Truth Social, pledging no further strikes unless provoked, though officials said Washington had prior knowledge; energy markets surged with Brent crude hitting $111 a barrel amid supply fears.