Doha: Qatar on Wednesday decried Iran's 'brutal targeting' of the Ras Laffan industrial site as a 'direct threat' to its national security as well as regional stability. 'This attack constitutes a dangerous escalation, a blatant violation of the state's sovereignty, and a direct threat to its national security and the stability of the region,' the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, Qatar declared Iranian Embassy military and security attaches persona non grata following the attack. Despite its neutrality in the ongoing conflict and commitment to avoiding escalation, Doha accused Iran of targeting Qatar and neighboring countries 'in an irresponsible manner that undermines regional security and threatens international peace.'

Earlier on Wednesday, QatarEnergy reported a missile attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country's main liquefied natural gas production site. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Qatar emphasized its stance against attacks on civilian and energy facilities, urging for the preservation of regional resources and maintaining international peace and security.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry warned that Iran's actions are pushing the region toward the brink of conflict, involving countries not originally party to the crisis. The attack on Ras Laffan was labeled a violation of Security Council Resolution 2817, prompting Qatar to renew its call for the UN Security Council to address these serious violations and deter further aggression.

Qatar asserted its right to respond under Article 51 of the UN Charter and the right of self-defense guaranteed by international law. The ministry emphasized that Qatar 'will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents.'

The missile strike on Ras Laffan followed a US-Israeli airstrike targeting gas storage tanks at Iran's South Pars field, which halted production at two refineries. This incident is part of a broader regional conflict that erupted after a joint offensive by Israel and the US on February 28, resulting in significant casualties, including Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes, impacting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.