Doha, 03 March 2026

During his weekly media briefing, Dr. Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and official spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Qatar had successfully thwarted missile and drone attacks targeting the country, providing an update on the recent incidents.

He explained that, over the past couple of days, Qatar had faced a series of missile and aerial assaults. According to the latest verified information, three missiles were launched directly at Qatari territory, all of which were successfully intercepted. In addition, 101 ballistic missiles were fired toward the country, with 98 neutralised by Qatari air defenses. Authorities also dealt with 39 drones, intercepting or dismantling 24 of them before they could cause harm. Two fighter jets violated Qatari airspace, and there were further incidents involving shelling and hostile aircraft activity.

Dr. Al Ansari noted that certain strategic sites were deliberately targeted, including areas in Meisaeed and Ras Al-Lafan Industrial cities. He acknowledged that the escalation had resulted in casualties, though he stressed that technical teams were working carefully to ensure safety and contain any damage.

Addressing questions from journalists about what he described as Iranian aggression, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the recent incidents marked a serious escalation and a shift in the nature of the conflict. However, he emphasized that Qatari Armed Forces had responded effectively, intercepting missiles and engaging hostile aircraft in accordance with established rules of engagement.

Regarding the two fighter jets that entered Qatari airspace, he explained that they were tracked immediately. Qatari jets, alongside joint squadron forces, were scrambled in response. The aircraft were warned that they had crossed into Qatari territory. Once their trajectory indicated a direct threat to Doha, they were shot down over Gulf waters. At the time of the briefing, there was no confirmed information regarding the status of the pilots.

Dr. Al Ansari strongly denied circulating reports suggesting that Qatar had deployed its own missile systems offensively, calling such claims entirely false. He underlined that Qatar’s defensive systems remain fully operational and that the country is well prepared to address ongoing threats. He also urged media outlets to avoid spreading misinformation, warning that false reports could undermine regional security.

When asked about communication channels with Iran, he confirmed that there were currently no active contacts. However, he highlighted ongoing coordination with allies, particularly the United States, noting strong and direct communication with U.S. authorities and CENTCOM. He referenced a call from US President Donald Trump, who had expressed support and discussed regional coordination with Qatar’s leadership.

On the matter of retaliation, Dr. Al Ansari stated that Qatar’s sovereignty had already been violated and that “red lines” had been crossed. While all options remain under consideration by the country’s leadership, the immediate priority is protecting citizens and residents, representing over 140 nationalities, and safeguarding national infrastructure.

He confirmed that attempts had been made to target Hamad International Airport, but all missiles aimed at the airport were intercepted before impact, and operations there remain secure.

Finally, addressing concerns about energy production, he noted that Qatar, one of the world’s leading suppliers of natural gas, had temporarily shut down certain operations as a precautionary measure. Technical assessments are underway, and coordination with international partners continues. He stressed that while Qatar plays a vital role in global energy markets, the safety of workers, citizens, and residents remains the country’s foremost priority.