The Doha News live blog is updated regularly amid the developments in Qatar in light of Iran’s attacks on the country amid the war with Israel and the U.S.

Updates since Tuesday morning

• Qatar’s residents woke up to multiple loud explosions shortly after 1:30am Doha local time on Tuesday.
• Qatar’s Armed Forces successfully intercepted and neutralised two ballistic missiles targeting several areas of the country before they reached Qatari territory.
• Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended.
• The war between Iran, the United States and Israel continued into its fourth day without a deal in sight as escalations intensify across the Middle East.
• Iran targeted the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, causing minor damage.
• U.S. President Donald Trump said the military campaign against Iran could last about four weeks.
• New explosions were heard across Doha shortly after 7:30pm local time on Tuesday.
• Former Qatari PM Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim warns Iran has “lost friends” across the Gulf and calls for immediate return to peace negotiations.
• Hamad International Airport extended their flight suspension due to Qatari airspace closure.

Hamad International Airport extends flight suspension

Hamad International Airport said early Wednesday that flight operations remain temporarily suspended in line with the closure of Qatari airspace by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

The airport urged passengers not to proceed to the airport until further notice, stating the measure was taken to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.

Authorities said support information has been compiled for travellers currently stranded in Doha. Airport teams are continuing to respond to enquiries.

HBJ: Iran has “lost friends” in the Gulf and must return to talks

Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, also known as HBJ, has warned that Iran’s strikes on Gulf states were a strategic miscalculation that has permanently changed Tehran’s regional relationships, telling Fox Business Network that the attacks caught Doha “by surprise” and that ties with Iran may never return to what they were.

He added that Qatar and most Gulf states had opposed military action and had been following peace talks in Geneva with hope, but “it’s now not our choice that we have to defend our country,” expressing regret that diplomacy had been overtaken by military action.

He said had the international community waited another week, the peace talks underway in Geneva and Vienna might have yielded results.

HBJ called for an immediate return to the negotiation table to contain the crisis.

Qatar’s State Security arrest two cells affiliated with IRGC

Qatar’s State Security arrested two cells operating on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) within the Gulf state, the Qatari state news agency (QNA) reported on Wednesday.

“As part of the ongoing efforts to protect the security of the State and safeguard its stability, the competent authorities have succeeded in arresting two cells operating on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard within the State of Qatar,” QNA reported, noting the suspects admitted to their crime.

MOD: Iranian missile targeted Al Udeid Airbase without casualties

Qatar was targeted by two ballistic missiles launched from Iran, of which one was intercepted by the Air Defence systems while the other struck the Al Udeid Airbase without causing any casualties, the Ministry of Defence announced at midnight on Wednesday.

The ministry added that the Qatar Armed Forces “possess full capabilities and resources” to protect the country.

Qatari, Bahraini defence officials hold phone call

Sheikh Saud received a phone call on Tuesday from Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Secretary-General of Bahrain’s Supreme Defence Council.

“During the call, the two sides reviewed latest regional security developments, as well as discussing aspects of joint cooperation and coordination in light of the current circumstances,” the MoD said in a statement.

‘That’s what allies do’: Qatar helps Trump adviser evacuate to Greece with Saudi help

Alex Bruesewitz, an adviser to United States President Donald Trump, evacuated from the Middle East to Greece amid escalating regional tensions, Politico reported on Tuesday.

Bruesewitz said he sought refuge in Qatar and coordinated with Qatari, American and Saudi officials to secure his departure. He ultimately left on a privately chartered plane he paid for, along with other U.S. citizens bound for Greece.

Responding to the report, Hamad Al-Muftah, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Qatari Embassy in Washington, DC, said: “That’s what allies do.”

Qatar’s PM-FM receives phone call from Luxembourg’s PM

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received a phone call on Tuesday from the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Luc Frieden.

“During the call, they discussed the developments of the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability as well as ways to resolve all disputes peacefully,” according to Qatar’s foreign ministry.

Frieden also called “on all parties to de-escalate, exercise reason, and return to negotiations and diplomatic means to avoid further chaos in the region”.

Qatar sends second identical message to UN and Security Council over Iran’s attacks

Qatar sent on Tuesday a second identical message to each of the United Nations’ Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the Permanent Representative of the U.S. to the UN, and the President of the UN Security Council for the month of March, Michael Waltz, over Iran’s attacks.

Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN Sheikha Alya Al Thani delivered the message, according to the Gulf state’s foreign ministry.

“It emphasised that the State of Qatar strongly condemns this targeting and reserves its full right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, and in a manner commensurate with the nature of the attack,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

“Qatar also called for this letter to be circulated as an official document of the UNSC,” it added.

President of Uzbekistan sends message of solidarity to Qatar’s Amir amid regional tensions

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sent a message to Qatar’s Amir expressing heartfelt condolences and solidarity amid recent developments in the Middle East and military actions that have impacted Doha’s security and stability.

Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from Ukrainian President

Qatar’s Amir received a phone call on Tuesday evening from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

During the call, the Ukrainian President inquired about the situation in Qatar following Iran’s attacks on the country and affirmed Ukraine’s solidarity with the Gulf state.

“Both sides agreed to continue exchanging views and coordinating efforts in a manner that supports the promotion of stability and security in the region and the world,” the Amiri Diwan said in a statement.

MoI urges the public to adhere to safety instructions

Qatar’s MoI issued a statement on Tuesday evening urging the public to adhere to safety instructions, stressing the importance of staying indoors and not going out except in cases of absolute necessity.

Qatar’s Minister of State for Defence Affairs receives phone calls from several officials

Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received phone calls from several officials on Tuesday.

The officials included Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, and the Netherlands’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius.

Sheikh Saud also received phone calls from Italy’s Minister of Defence Guido Crosetto, and Sweden’s Minister of Defence Pål Jonson.

The phone calls centred on the latest developments in Qatar, with a focus on Iran’s attacks on the Gulf state.

Qatar’s Amir receives more solidarity phone calls

Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received phone calls on Tuesday from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

In the phone call with Modi, Sheikh Tamim assured him about the welfare of the Indian community residing in Qatar.

Modi also expressed his gratitude for “Qatar’s care and attention towards Indian nationals, particularly under the current exceptional circumstances”, according to the Amiri Diwan. He also expressed his solidarity with Qatar.

Meanwhile, in the phone call with Subianto, the Indonesian leader expressed his country’s solidarity with Qatar and its people.

Both leaders also discussed current regional developments, underlining the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts as the way to contain the crisis and preserve regional security and stability.

Qatar strongly condemns Iranian attacks on U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

Qatar has strongly condemned the Iranian attacks that targeted the U.S. embassies in Riyadh and Kuwait, deeming them “a blatant violation of international conventions and laws”.

In a statement on Tuesday, Qatar’s foreign ministry stressed that the Iranian attacks on the two embassies “contravene international agreements and diplomatic norms that criminalise assaults on diplomatic missions and grant immunity to their premises and staff”.

“The Ministry affirms the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait in all measures they take to safeguard their security and the safety of their territories,” the statement added.

Loud explosions heard in Doha

Loud blasts were heard across Doha on Tuesday shortly after 7:30pm local time as Iran continues its strikes on the Gulf state.

Qatar denies report alleging it carried out strikes inside Iran

Qatar has rejected a report by The Jerusalem Post claiming the Gulf state launched attacks inside Iran.

In a statement posted on X, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said “Qatar has not been part of the campaign targeting Iran”, while adding that Doha is its right to self-defence and deterring Iranian attacks.

Al-Ansari also called on media organisations to rely on official Qatari sources when reporting on the country’s position.

Singapore’s embassy explores land evacuation route for citizens in Qatar

Singapore’s Embassy in Doha is gauging interest among its nationals in an assisted land departure from Qatar to Saudi Arabia, with those wishing to participate asked to complete a form by March 5.

The embassy said the plan under consideration involves a seven-hour bus journey to Riyadh, from which Singaporeans could board connecting commercial flights onward. 

It added that a longer bus route to Jeddah, where direct flights to Singapore remain operational, is also being explored. 

The embassy noted the form is to survey intent only and does not confirm the exercise will proceed.⁠

Qatar urges parents to keep children indoors during Garangao celebrations

The MoI urged parents not to let their children celebrate Garangao outdoors, emphasising the importance of staying home and only going out when absolutely necessary.

The statement comes as Qatar issues safety instructions amid the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.⁠

Qatar issues advisory for citizens abroad

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens abroad to download the ministry’s mobile app and register their details to ensure effective communication in emergencies.⁠

Iran bans food, agricultural exports: state media reports

Iran has announced a ban on all food and agricultural exports, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

“The export of all food and agricultural products has been banned until further notice,” Tasnim reported, citing a government statement. The government said it had “prioritised the supply of essential goods for the people”.

Qatar’s embassy in Oman evacuates citizens by land

Qatar’s embassy in Oman announced on Tuesday that it arranged the safe return of several citizens stranded in the country, prioritising their comfort and security during transit via land crossings.⁠

Key takeaways from Qatar’s foreign ministry briefing

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari held a press briefing at the ministry’s building in Doha on Tuesday. The briefing focused on the latest developments in Qatar in light of Iran’s attacks on the country.

Here are some key takeaways from the press conference:

• Qatar was not notified of incoming missile attacks by Iran.
• The Iranian jets shot down on Monday entered Qatar’s airspace despite being warned, with search for their crews ongoing.
• Qatar remains fully prepared and attacks on its territory will not go unanswered.
• Almost 8,000 people are stranded in transit in Qatar amid the airspace closure.
• There were attempts to attack the Hamad International Airport, which all failed.
• No ongoing communication with Iran.
• Iran’s targets are not just military, but all of Qatar’s territory.
• Qatar’s stockpile of interceptor missiles has not run out and there is enough to deal with the ongoing threats.
• There is no information on Mossad cells operating in the country. This is in response to claims by American political activist and commentator Tucker Carlson that Qatar and Saudi Arabia arrested individuals linked to Mossad.

QatarEnergy to stop production of some downstream products

QatarEnergy is stopping the production of some downstream products in Qatar, including urea, polymers, methanol, aluminium, and other products, the state-owned company announced in a press release on Tuesday.

Iran’s military claims it targeted Al-Udeid Air Base

The Iranian military claimed it launched an attack on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Al Jazeera reported.

U.S. embassy urges Americans to leave Qatar amid regional escalations

The U.S. Department of State has ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave Qatar due to heightened threats following Iran’s retaliatory attacks in the region.

In response, the U.S. Embassy in Doha has suspended routine consular services and advised Americans to contact [email protected] in emergencies.

The embassy said that “Americans who choose not to depart at this time should prepare contingency plans should the situation deteriorate. These alternative plans should not rely on the U.S. government for assisted departure or evacuation.”

LNG tanker rates double in Atlantic Basin after QatarEnergy halts production: Bloomberg

Freight rates for liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers in the Atlantic Basin have roughly doubled, with daily charter costs exceeding $200,000, according to market participants cited by Bloomberg. 

The sharp increase in tanker day rates follows QatarEnergy’s suspension of LNG production at its Ras Laffan export facilities, disrupting flows and adding volatility to shipping markets.

Qatar expresses condolences to Kuwait following killing of two soldiers

Qatar expressed its condolences to Kuwait and its people following the killing of two members of its armed forces while performing their national duties on Monday.

In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Doha’s full solidarity with Kuwait and its support for all measures it takes to preserve its sovereignty and security.

The Ministry also extended Qatar’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the two martyrs, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant them mercy, grant the injured a speedy recovery, and protect the State of Kuwait and its people from all harm.

Qatar Airways operations remain temporarily suspended

Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, the airline said in an update on Tuesday amid the temporary closure of the Gulf state’s airspace.

The airline will issue a further update on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:00am Doha local time.

MoI warns against gathering at incident sites

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) warned against gathering at or heading to incident sites in a statement on Tuesday.

The ministry also warned against photographing or sharing content related to the ongoing developments on the ground as it may result in legal accountability.

The MoI also assured that the relevant security agencies continue their field operations around the clock with an “integrated operational system and in coordination with all concerned authorities”.

Summary of total attacks 

The MoD published an infographic showing a summary of the total attacks on Qatar, which continued since Saturday, February 28.

The ministry said three cruise missiles, 101 ballistic missiles, 39 drones, and two SU-24 fighter jets were detected. Out of the total reported, authorities intercepted three cruise missiles, 24 drones, 98 ballistic missiles, and the two SU-24 fighter jets.

Qatar intercepts and neutralises two ballistic missiles

Qatar’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced in the early hours of Tuesday that the nation’s Armed Forces have successfully intercepted and neutralised two ballistic missiles targeting several areas of the country before they reached Qatari territory.