The government of Qatar has ordered the expulsion of Iranian military and security officials, declaring them “persona non grata” and directing them to leave the country within 24 hours, in a sharp escalation of tensions with Iran.
In an official statement released Wednesday, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the decision applies to the military attaché, the security attaché, and all staff affiliated with their offices at the Iranian embassy in Doha. The directive was formally conveyed during a meeting between the Director of Protocol at the ministry, Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, and Iran’s ambassador to Qatar, Ali Salehabadi.
According to the ministry, the move comes in response to what it described as “repeated Iranian targeting and blatant aggression against the State of Qatar,” actions it says violate the country’s sovereignty and security. The statement further noted that such actions constitute “a flagrant breach of the principles of international law” and referenced violations of United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2817, as well as the principles of good neighborliness.
Qatar’s foreign ministry warned that any continuation of what it termed a “hostile approach” by Iran would prompt further countermeasures. It stressed that Doha remains prepared to act decisively to safeguard its national interests and territorial integrity.
“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,” the statement added.
While Qatari authorities did not publicly disclose specific incidents underlying the allegations, the unusually swift 24-hour expulsion order signals a serious deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries. As of press time, there has been no immediate official response from Tehran regarding the expulsions.
