Qatar calls for dialogue, as Iran attacks on Gulf states continue

Qatar on Monday demanded that Iran end its drone and rocket strikes on Gulf states, calling for dialogue to end the war.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed al-Ansari rejected Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's claims that it had not targeted civilian areas in the Gulf, saying that drone and rocket strikes on residential areas in Qatar were still taking place.

"I find it very difficult to even respond to what Mr Aragchi said in light of the fact that these attacks are ongoing every day,” Al-Ansari told reporters.

"Since the Iranian attacks have started on Qatar, the threats and the attacks on civilian targets have not stopped."

He noted that one Iranian media outlet had even said that civilian areas would be hit, and that Qatar was taking such threats seriously.

"Stopping the attacks requires a decision from Iran’s foreign minister, and Qatar will defend itself. Contacts are still ongoing with Gulf countries to ensure de-escalation and confront Iran’s attacks," he added.

Despite this, Al-Ansari said that Qatar was still keen for a peaceful end to the conflict but that Iran must stop its attacks on the Gulf states, who have taken no part in the conflict.

"Iran must stop the attacks immediately so that a diplomatic solution to the crisis can be found," he said, although he acknowledged there are currently no negotiations between Iran and the US.

"Iran is attacking Gulf countries without any reason and must stop its attacks because we are outside the conflict."

Qatar has been among a number of Arab states targeted by Iran since the start of the 28 February US-Israeli assault on Iran with the UAE facing the brunt of the missile and drone assault.

Qatar does host the US Al-Udeid air base, which has been targeted by Iran, but Tehran's drone and missile strikes have now been focused on civilian targets in the country and other Gulf states.