Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called on Iran to halt attacks on countries in the region during a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

According to Anadolu Agency, a Foreign Ministry statement revealed that Araghchi informed the Qatari premier that the missile strikes were directed at American interests and were not intended to target the Gulf state. However, Sheikh Mohammed "categorically rejected" this assertion, stating that civilian and residential areas within Qatar were struck by the attacks.

The prime minister highlighted that the targeted areas included the vicinity of Hamad International Airport, critical infrastructure, and industrial zones, including liquefied natural gas production facilities. He further noted that the attacks involved not only missiles but also drone strikes and airspace violations.

Sheikh Mohammed criticized these Iranian actions as reflecting "an escalatory approach" and lacking any genuine desire for de-escalation or resolution. He accused Tehran of seeking to harm its neighbors and draw them into a conflict that is not theirs. He called for an "immediate" cessation of Iranian attacks on regional states that have sought to remain outside the conflict, urging all parties to prioritize the broader interests of their peoples.

The backdrop to this call for restraint is the ongoing large-scale attack by Israel and the US on Iran, which began on Saturday and has resulted in nearly 900 fatalities, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In retaliation, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries housing US assets.