Qatar condemns Iran's attacks on Bahrain, urges de-escalation

Qatar on Friday strongly condemned Iranian attacks on Bahrain, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and a return to diplomatic channels. The Qatari foreign ministry described the strikes as a violation of Bahrain's sovereignty and a direct threat to Gulf security, urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

Doha reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of good-neighbourliness and non-interference enshrined in international law, and called on regional and international actors to support de-escalation efforts. The statement stressed that disputes between Gulf states and Iran must be resolved through dialogue, not military force.

Qatar's position reflects its longstanding role as a mediator in regional tensions, having maintained diplomatic channels with both Iran and its Gulf neighbours throughout periods of acute crisis. Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, has been a focal point of Iranian-Gulf friction for years.