The State of Qatar recently communicated its strong stance through letters addressed to key officials at the United Nations. These letters are a direct response to a correspondence from Iran’s Chargé d’Affaires, underscoring Qatar’s commitment to international law and its position on recent aggressions.
Qatar’s Firm Rebuttal
Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, emphasized that the assertions made by the Islamic Republic of Iran lack a legal foundation. The letters assert that repeated claims by Iran cannot legitimize the unwarranted attacks commenced on February 28, 2026, against Qatar. These actions are seen as serious violations of international law, specifically contravening Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits any form of force against a state’s territorial integrity or independence.
Condemnation of Iranian Aggression
The letters pointed out that Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026) condemned Iran’s aggressive actions in the strongest terms. This resolution deemed the attacks a violation of international law and a significant threat to global peace. The communication specifically referenced Article 3(b) of General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX), indicating that Iran’s military actions, including missile and drone strikes against Qatari soil, clearly meet the definition of aggression. Furthermore, the blockade imposed by Iran on vital maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, was highlighted as another act of aggression, according to Article 3(c) of the same resolution.
Right to Self-Defense and International Obligations
In their letters, Qatar emphasized that Iran’s military actions could not be justified under the pretext of self-defense, as required conditions were not met in this case. The letters reiterated that while states possess the right to self-defense in response to armed attacks, Iran’s claims do not align with the stipulations of Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The principled stance taken by Qatar, as reaffirmed by prior resolutions, emphasizes its right to protect itself against illegal acts of aggression.
Call for Compliance with International Law
Qatar’s communication stressed the need for Iran to comply with international humanitarian law and respect for civilian protection during conflicts. References to earlier Qatari letters documented the extent of the damage caused by Iranian attacks on civilian targets, including energy infrastructure and vessels, thereby breaching the Geneva Conventions. The State of Qatar is currently assessing the damages incurred from these aggressions and reserves its rights to seek appropriate compensation.
The letters reiterated that claims by Iran aimed at deflecting responsibility are baseless and lack justification. Qatar continues to assert its entitlement to compensation for damages suffered and maintains its capability to respond proportionately to any aggression against its sovereignty and national interests. As affirmed in their correspondence, Qatar remains committed to upholding international norms and mediating solutions to ensure regional stability.