Qatar has ordered the immediate departure of two Iranian diplomats in response to an attack on one of its major natural gas facilities, escalating diplomatic tensions in the Gulf region. The decision, announced on Wednesday by the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, applies to both the Iranian military attache and the security attache stationed in Doha, along with staff serving in their offices. The ministry declared them persona non grata and mandated their exit from Qatar within 24 hours.
According to an official statement posted on social media, the Qatari authorities emphasized the urgency of the directive, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting its sovereign territory and critical energy infrastructure. “Both the military attache and the security attache in the embassy, in addition to those working in the two attache offices, are declared persona non grata and are requested to leave the state’s territories within a maximum period of 24 hours,” the ministry said.
The move follows a recent attack on one of Qatar’s massive natural gas facilities, a cornerstone of the nation’s energy sector and a key contributor to its economy. While the ministry did not provide specific details linking the diplomats to the attack, the expulsion signals a firm stance by Doha against any perceived interference by foreign entities in its domestic security matters.
This decision comes amid ongoing regional tensions involving Iran and Gulf states, where energy security remains a highly sensitive issue. Qatar has emerged as a major global supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), making its facilities critical not only to domestic energy needs but also to international markets. Any disruption to operations carries both economic and geopolitical ramifications.
By declaring the Iranian officials persona non grata, Qatar is sending a clear message about its intolerance for actions that threaten national security. The ministry’s swift action reflects the state’s priority in safeguarding its citizens, infrastructure, and international energy commitments. Observers say the expulsion could heighten diplomatic strain between Qatar and Iran, potentially affecting broader regional relations and security cooperation in the Gulf.
