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 Wednesday morning
- Qatar’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that 10 Iranian drones and two cruise missiles were intercepted at dawn on Wednesday.
- Iran’s attacked on the Gulf region continues, claiming to target the United States’ interests. This comes amid the ongoing war between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. The war was triggered by the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran on Saturday.
- The U.S. urged Americans in Qatar to depart the country whereas the United Kingdom advised its citizens against all but essential travel to the Gulf state.
- Qatar’s airspace remains closed for the fifth consecutive day.
- Qatar’s Ministry of Interior began precautionary evacuations around the U.S. Embassy in Doha.
- The U.S. Senate has failed to pass a resolution that would have curbed Trump’s ability to wage war on Iran without congressional approval.
MOI: residents in vicinity of U.S. embassy evacuated as a precautionary measure
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced on Thursday that the relevant authorities are evacuating residents living in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in the country “as a temporary precautionary measure”.
The residents were also given “suitable accommodation”, the ministry said on X, urging the public to follow official channels for reliable information.
Residents and the public have been advised to avoid the immediate area around the US Embassy until further notice.
U.S. Senate fails to curb Trump’s war powers as Iran strikes continue
The United States Senate has voted 53-47 to reject a resolution that would have required congressional approval for U.S. military action against Iran, effectively leaving Trump’s war powers unchecked.
The vote fell largely along party lines, with most Republicans blocking the measure as U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran continue.
The bill now heads to the House, where it faces an uphill battle.
GCO launches WhatsApp channel for updates
Qatar’s Government Communications Office (GCO) launched a WhatsApp channel on Wednesday to provide followers with domestic updates.
Virtual GCC-EU emergency meeting to take place Thursday
An emergency meeting between the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union will virtually take place on Thursday, the GCC’s Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi announced.
Qatar’s Amir visits Air Operations Centre
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited the Air Operations Centre on Wednesday, the Amiri Diwan announced.
During the visit, Sheikh Tamim reviewed the high level of readiness of the military units and received a briefing on ongoing operations and measures taken to enhance the security of vital facilities and protect Qatar’s airspace and territorial waters.
Sheikh Tamim also praised the efforts of the Qatari Armed Forces and their high level of competence in carrying out their duties.
Pezeshkian: U.S.-Israel left Iran with no choice but to defend itself
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian told “leaders of friendly and neighbouring states” that his country was left with “no choice” but to defend itself after the U.S.-Israel attack.
“Your Majesties, leaders of friendly and neighbouring states, we have worked with you and through diplomacy to avoid war, but the American-Zionist military aggression has left us no choice but to defend ourselves,” Pezeshkian said on X.
“We respect your sovereignty, and we believe that the security and stability of the region must be achieved through the collective efforts of its own countries,” he added.
Qatar’s PM-FM receives phone call from Araghchi, first since beginning of war
Sheikh Mohammed received a phone call from Araghchi on Wednesday, marking their first conversation since February 27.
According to a statement by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Araghchi said the Iranian strikes were aimed at U.S. interests in the region and were not intended to target Qatar.
Sheikh Mohammed said facts on the ground demonstrate that civilian and residential areas were hit, including zones near HIA as well as critical infrastructure and industrial facilities. He described the attacks as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and of international law.
U.S. Rep Burchett slams Senator Graham over calls to bomb Lebanon
U.S. Representative Tim Burchett on Wednesday criticised Senator Lindsey Graham for calling for immediate airstrikes on Lebanon, saying Graham “hasn’t seen a fist fight he wouldn’t turn into a bombing raid”.
Graham has also supported the recent U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran.
U.S. Senator Warren: Trump’s Iran war is illegal, based on lies
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren criticised the Trump administration’s war on Iran, calling it illegal, unplanned and based on lies.
Speaking in a video after a classified briefing on Tuesday, Warren said the situation is “worse than you thought” and accused the administration of having no clear strategy or legal justification for the war.
Saudia suspends regional flights across the Middle East until March 6
Saudia Airlines has extended cancellations on flights to and from Doha, Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Moscow and Peshawar until 23:59 GMT on 6 March, citing the ongoing regional situation.
U.S. sinks Iranian frigate off Sri Lanka in first torpedo attack since World War II
A U.S. submarine has sunk the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed, in the first torpedo attack by American forces since the Second World War.
Sri Lankan authorities said they rescued 32 crew members, while around 140 others remain missing. Hegseth described the strike as a “quiet death,” adding it was evidence of America’s global reach in its conflict with Iran.
Iran FM: Trump ‘betrayed diplomacy’ in nuclear talks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blasted U.S. President Donald Trump for striking Iran during nuclear talks.
Araghchi stated that Trump “betrayed diplomacy and Americans who elected him” by attacking while negotiations were underway, and by killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well as numerous top Iranian officials.
Spanish PM cites Iraq war chaos as cautionary tale for U.S. war on Iran
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that the U.S.-led Iraq War 23 years ago — launched over claims of weapons of mass destruction, democracy promotion and global security — ultimately produced the opposite result.
He said it triggered Europe’s largest wave of insecurity since the fall of the Berlin Wall, fueling terrorism, driving a migration crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean and pushing energy prices higher.
His remarks come after Spain opposed the recent U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and declined to allow U.S. use of jointly operated bases on Spanish soil for attacks against Iran.
Oil climbs 3% as Iran war fuels supply fears
Oil prices rose three percent on Wednesday as the war between the U.S., Israel and Iran disrupted Middle East supply routes.
Brent crude climbed $2.67 to $84.07 a barrel, its highest close since January 2025.
Prices neared their highest levels since July 2024, but eased after U.S. President Donald Trump said the Navy could escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a critical global chokepoint, with about a fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through it.
QatarEnergy declares force majeure on LNG shipments
QatarEnergy declared force majuere on Wednesday to its affected buyers following its announcement to halt the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and some downstream products this week after Iran targeted its facilities.
“QatarEnergy values its relationships with all of its stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information,” it said in a statement.
MoD: 10 Iranian drones intercepted at dawn
The MoD announced that Qatar was attacked at dawn on Wednesday by 10 drones and two cruise missiles from Iran.
The ministry said the Qatar Emiri Air Defense Forces intercepted six drones, while the Qatar Emiri Air Force intercepted two other drones and two cruise missiles. The Qatar Emiri Navy Forces intercepted the remaining two drones.
“The Ministry further emphasises that Qatar Armed Forces possess full capabilities and resources, with God’s will, to safeguard the state’s sovereignty and territory, and to respond firmly to any external threat,” the MoD said in a statement.
The ministry also urged citizens, residents and visitors to remain calm. It also called on the population to “adhere to official instructions issued by the security authorities, avoid rumors and rely solely on information released through official channels”.
Former Qatari PM: retaliation on Iran should be limited to launch sites
Former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani said he does not support retaliation against Iran unless it is limited to eliminating the sources of launching missiles and drones.
Speaking in an interview with Fox Business, Sheikh Hamad stressed on the need for peace, adding that Iran now appears to be driven more by military figures than by its political leadership.
Qatar’s PM-FM receives phone call from Japanese FM
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received a phone call on Wednesday from Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
The phone call dealt with the developments in the military escalation in the region and its serious repercussions on regional and international security and stability.
Qatar Airways flights remain temporarily suspended
Qatar Airways’ flight operations remain temporarily suspended amid the Qatari airspace’s closure, the airline said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace,” the airline said.
It added that it will issue an update on Thursday, March 6, by 9:00am Doha local time.
U.S. issues guidance for Americans in Qatar
The U.S. Department of State for Consular Affairs issued guidance for Americans in Qatar, saying it is ready to help them return to their home from the Middle East.
“The U.S. government is ready to help Americans return home safely from the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available,” it said on Wednesday.
With aircraft movement at the Hamad International Airport (HIA) temporarily suspended under the airspace closure, it said the Qatar-Saudi Arabia crossing is open. However, it said “the U.S. government cannot guarantee” their safety if they choose to depart using the Salwa Crossing.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar also continues to maintain shelter-in-place for all remaining emergency personnel.
“We recommend all Americans in Qatar do the same until further notice. To the extent possible, remain inside your residence, hotel, or another structure, and stay away from windows,” it said on X.
Moments of calm in Qatar
Qatar’s population felt moments of calm since Tuesday evening, when the last sound of explosions were heard.
