‘This Was Truly Shocking’: Iran’s President Apologizes to Qatari Emir Amid Regional Turmoil

According to Saed News, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday held a phone conversation with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to express condolences and solidarity following a recent regional incident that reportedly unsettled Qatari authorities. The outreach came amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf triggered by the fallout from a U.S.-backed Israeli military action targeting Iranian interests.

“My call is purely to express solidarity with you and the noble people of Qatar,” Pezeshkian said, directly addressing the Qatari leader. “What occurred yesterday was a measured response to U.S. complicity in an Israeli assault on our territory. It was by no means intended as an act of hostility towards Qatar.”

Pezeshkian acknowledged Qatar’s long-standing support for Iran during periods of diplomatic and military pressure. “The Iranian nation remains grateful for Doha’s steadfastness during difficult times,” he added. “We were in the midst of negotiations aimed at de-escalation, but talks lose all meaning under foreign aggression.”

He further emphasized Iran’s resilience in the face of military threats: “Our adversaries now understand that Iran is not a nation to be cowed by missile fire. Our people stand firm in defense of their legitimate rights.”

In a warm and candid reply, Sheikh Tamim welcomed the conversation as more than just a political exchange. “I view this not merely as a diplomatic call, but as a heartfelt message between two brothers,” the emir said. He stressed that Qatar had consistently worked—both publicly and behind the scenes—to reduce regional volatility.

“What happened yesterday was genuinely shocking to us,” he admitted. Addressing concerns about Qatar's cooperation with the United States, the emir was explicit: “The American base on our soil has not been, and will not be, used in any military operation against Iran. We will oppose any such action against our brother nation.”

Sheikh Tamim concluded the conversation with an appeal for transparency and a desire for deeper strategic cooperation. “I welcomed your call with open arms,” he said. “I hope we can soon meet in person to discuss ways to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.”