Qatar condemns Iranian attack on Kurdistan region as sovereignty violation

Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned an Iranian attack on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, describing it as a flagrant violation of Iraqi sovereignty and a breach of international law. In a statement issued on 17 July 2026, the ministry expressed Doha's firm rejection of the strike and reiterated its principled opposition to any assault on the territorial integrity of states, calling for the settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomatic channels rather than force.

The ministry stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of nations and refraining from actions that threaten the security and stability of the region, warning that continued military escalation risks widening tensions across an already volatile part of the Middle East. Qatar affirmed its steadfast position in support of Iraq's security, stability and unity, and its rejection of any interference in Iraqi internal affairs.

The condemnation is consistent with Doha's broader diplomatic posture, which favours de-escalation and mediation over confrontation. Qatar has repeatedly positioned itself as a channel for dialogue between rival parties in the region, including maintaining working relations with both Tehran and Washington. The Kurdistan Region, an autonomous area in northern Iraq centred on Erbil, has been the site of previous cross-border strikes, and Baghdad has consistently protested such attacks as violations of its national sovereignty. Qatar renewed its call for all parties to exercise restraint and to prioritise the tools of diplomacy to preserve regional peace.