Nushabadi: Iran’s Attack Was Not a Violation of Qatar’s Territorial Integrity / Al-Udeid Base is Part of American Soil

According to Saednews, early Sunday morning (June 21), the United States joined Benjamin Netanyahu’s war against Iran, which began on June 13, by attacking Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. In response, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized that under the UN Charter, Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interests, and people.

By Monday evening, June 22, Iran launched a powerful missile attack named "Basharat-e-Fath" on the Al-Udeid base in Qatar, the U.S. Air Force’s regional headquarters, under the guidance of the Supreme National Security Council and the IRGC’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters.

The Supreme National Security Council stated that this action posed no threat to Qatar or its people and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to maintaining strong, historic relations with Qatar. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in a phone call to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, clarified that the attack was solely a reaction to the direct U.S. involvement in Israeli aggression against Iran and not intended as confrontation with Qatar.

Senior Iranian diplomat and former ambassador to Oman, Hossein Nushabadi, told IRNA that the missile strike on Al-Udeid airbase was a legitimate act of self-defense under international law and the UN Charter. He explained that the part of Qatari territory targeted is considered U.S. soil because military bases function similarly to diplomatic premises. Thus, the attack did not violate Qatar’s territorial integrity and would not harm bilateral relations.

Nushabadi highlighted the strategic importance of hitting the largest and best-equipped U.S. airbase in the region, which symbolized striking all U.S. bases there. He noted that Washington’s quick call for a ceasefire after the strike shows Iran’s powerful and deterrent response, signaling that Iran will firmly defend its national security against any threat, whether from the U.S. or Israel.

Regarding regional reactions, Nushabadi said many countries recognize Iran’s actions as defensive, aimed at securing stability in West Asia. He stressed that Israel’s aggressive moves threaten many countries and that Iran does not intend to attack neighbors but will respond decisively to any aggression. The recent 12-day conflict demonstrated Iran’s strength and raised regional security.

Finally, Nushabadi emphasized that Iran plans to expand relations with Arab and Islamic countries and that its defensive capabilities benefit the entire region, reinforcing peace and security.