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Iran tells Qatar strike on US base was in self-defense; reaffirms brotherly ties

Iran Press TV

Tuesday, 24 June 2025 2:39 PM

Iranian president tells the Qatari leader that the military action was in response to US involvement in the Israeli war against the Islamic Republic, reaffirms brotherhood.

In a phone call on Tuesday, President Masoud Pezeshkian reassured the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, that the attack on an American airbase in Qatar was a direct and limited response to the US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities.

He stressed that the Islamic Republic harbours no hostility toward its neighbours, particularly the brotherly nation of Qatar.

Pezeshkian emphasised that the strike was carried out solely in defence of Iranian sovereignty after a US-Israel coordinated attack on Iranian territory, and should not be misinterpreted as a threat to regional friends.

"This call is made out of deep respect for Your Highness and the noble people of Qatar. The missile operation was a reaction to the overt and direct participation of the United States in the Zionist regime's military assault on Iran," he said.

"It should not be interpreted as a confrontation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and its friendly, brotherly, and neighbouring country Qatar," he added.

Pezeshkian stressed that Iran deeply values its ties with Doha and recognises Qatar's longstanding support and fraternal stance, particularly in moments of crisis.

"Iran's government and people are aware of Qatar's friendly and brotherly intentions and are grateful for empathy, solidarity, and consistent support in difficult times."

Iranian President underscored that Iran is strong and cannot be weakened through military actions.

"Iran is not Gaza, Lebanon, or Syria. The Zionist regime and its backers now understand that they can't destabilise the Islamic Republic through a few attacks. The Iranian people will defend their rights until the very end," he said.

Pezeshkian further said that Tehran was engaged in diplomatic talks when it was attacked, forcing the country to respond decisively before considering further negotiations.

"Proposals for talks continued, but diplomacy under the threat of military action is no more than coercion. We could not accept that without first delivering a firm response to the Zionists," he noted.

Pezeshkian expressed appreciation for Sheikh Tamim's efforts to help de-escalate tensions and reiterated Tehran's commitment to deepening strategic relations with Doha.

"I sincerely thank you for your efforts to stop this war and for the solidarity and support you have extended towards your Iranian brothers. I hope you and the honourable people of Qatar will understand that yesterday's missile strike was solely a response to the US involvement in the Zionist regime's military aggression, and there should be no perception whatsoever that Iran intended any confrontation with Qatar."

The call came a day after Iran responded to the US aggression on nuclear sites with a retaliatory operation that targeted the US-run Al-Udeid base in Qatar.

Tehran has made clear that its retaliatory action was measured, defensive, and firmly rooted in the principle of national sovereignty, not aimed at any neighbouring country.