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 Monday morning
- Qatar’s residents woke up to loud explosions and received a government alert on their phones, urging them to remain indoors.
- Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has ruled out negotiations with the U.S.
- The regional escalation spread to Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, after Hezbollah attacked Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Global stocks fell and oil prices surged as escalating conflict in the Middle East rattled global markets, prompting investors to retreat from risk assets.
- Qatar Airways’ operations remain temporarily suspended amid airspace closure.
- Qatar’s refuted a Bloomberg analysis article that claimed the country’s stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles was depleting.
Ministry of Interior urges immediate compliance with safety instructions
The Ministry of Interior has called for full and immediate compliance with official instructions, urging the public to remain in their homes and buildings and to avoid going out except when absolutely necessary.
In a statement, the Ministry said the measures are aimed at protecting public safety and ensuring the highest levels of readiness in line with approved emergency plans.
Residents were also advised to follow updates from official sources only and to refrain from circulating rumours or unverified information.
Authorities affirmed that the National Response System continues to operate around the clock to maintain essential services and safeguard community security.
Patriot interceptor missiles ‘well-stocked’ says Qatar addressing Bloomberg article
Qatar’s International Media Office (IMO) issued a statement dismissing a Bloomberg analysis article that claimed the country’s stockpile of Patriot interceptor missiles was depleting.
Bloomberg claimed in its report on Monday that Qatar asked for help in countering Iran’s drone attacks while the UAE requested assistance from its allies with medium-range air defence.
The IMO said on Tuesday that the inventory of Patriot interceptor missiles held by the Qatar Armed Forces “has not been depleted and remains well-stocked”.
“The Qatar Armed Forces have repeatedly demonstrated their capability to defend the nation against external threats and remain at full readiness to protect all citizens, residents, and visitors for as long as necessary,” the IMO said.
“Publishing such false information without verification from official sources is deeply irresponsible, especially during this fast-moving and highly sensitive period in the region,” the statement added.
The IMO noted that it was “reviewing all appropriate options, including legal options, to ensure this misinformation is promptly corrected”.
MOI extends validity of nearly expired entry permits by one month
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior has announced a one-month extension for all types of entry visas that have expired or are nearing expiry, effective February 28.
The extensions will be processed electronically free of charge without the need to visit relevant departments or submit additional applications. The ministry noted that those with violations dated prior to February 28 must pay required penalties.
U.S. urges citizens to immediately depart Qatar, 13 other nations
The U.S. has urged its citizens to depart Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Palestine, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen via available commercial transportation.
This came in a post by Mora Namdar, U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, on X.
Loud explosions heard across Qatar
Residents across Qatar heard multiple loud explosions shortly after 1:30am on Tuesday, with the blasts audible in several parts of the country. More details awaited.
Qatar Airways announces complimentary date changes for up to 14 days
Qatar Airways says passengers with confirmed bookings between February 28 and March 10 are eligible for complimentary date changes of up to 14 days from their original travel date, or a refund of the unused value of their ticket.
The airline announced the policy just after midnight on Tuesday, noting it is experiencing high call volumes and warning of longer wait times. It advised travellers flying within the next 48 hours to contact the airline directly, while those who booked through a travel agent or third‑party website must reach out to them for assistance.
CENTCOM: six service members killed
CENTCOM has announced that the number of military service members confirmed dead has risen to six after the remains of two additional service members were recovered from a facility that was targeted in Iran’s initial offensive in the region.
IRGC Advisor: no oil exports will be allowed to leave region
An advisor to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Tehran would target enemy oil pipelines and “not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region,” a threat issued after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
The warning comes as Saudi Arabia temporarily shut down parts of its Ras Tanura refinery on Monday following an attack which Iran denied responsibility.
Hegseth: ‘U.S. did not start this war’
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon that Washington “did not start this war” with Iran.
Hegseth made the comments amid ongoing Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began with strikes on Iranian targets and has since triggered retaliatory attacks from Iranian forces on U.S. and allied positions in the region.
Qatar sends identical letters to UN, Security Council over Iran’s attack
Qatar has sent identical letters to the United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres and to Michael Waltz, the United States’ Permanent Representative to the UN and current President of the Security Council, addressing Iran’s attacks on Doha.
The letters, delivered on Monday by Sheikha Alya Al Thani, Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN, condemned the attacks on the Gulf state, its neighbours and Jordan, while calling for the immediate halt to any escalatory actions.
Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from UN Secretary-General
Qatar’s Amir received a phone call on Monday from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to discuss the latest regional developments.
During the call, Guterres condemned the recent attacks on the State of Qatar, describing them as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed Qatar’s position as a strong and valued partner of the United Nations.
Both sides emphasised the need to prioritise political dialogue and the diplomatic track as the best means to contain the current situation.
Qatar Central Bank extends remote work for financial sector from March 3 until further notice
The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) decided to extend the remote work system across all financial institutions operating in the country from Tuesday, March 3, 2026, until further notice.
The directive exempts employees whose roles require in-person attendance.
Qatar extends remote work for private, public sectors from March 3 until further notice
Qatar’s Civil Service and Government Development Bureau has extended the remote work directive for employees across ministries, government entities and public institutions until Tuesday, March 3, citing the current regional circumstances.
Employees in the military, security and health sectors, along with staff whose duties require on‑site presence, remain exempt from the decision.
Qatar’s Ministry of Labour also announced that remote work for private‑sector entities will be extended starting Tuesday, March 3, and will remain in place until further notice.
Qatar’s PM-FM receives phone calls from officials
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received phone calls from various officials, where discussions focused on the current situation in the country and region.
The officials included Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković.
Both officials expressed their condemnation of Iran’s attacks on Qatari territories as a flagrant violation of the country’s sovereignty.
MOI emphasises importance of remaining indoors
The MOI emphasised the importance of staying at home or in enclosed spaces as a precaution amid the current situation.
The ministry also stressed the importance of avoiding incident sites or areas with the presence of security vehicles and personnel.
MOD: Two Iranian aircraft shot down, seven missiles intercepted
The MOD announced that its armed forces shot down two Iranian aircraft and intercepted seven missiles and drones targeting Qatar.
In a statement, the ministry said the Qatar Amiri Air Force had downed two Su-24 fighter jets approaching from Iran. The Air Force and Amiri Naval Forces also brought down five drones after they targeted multiple locations across the country.
“All missiles were shot down before reaching their targets,” the ministry said.
Qatar’s Amir receives more solidarity phone calls
Qatar’s Amir received more phone calls from leaders on Monday evening, with discussions focusing on Iran’s attacks on the Gulf state and regional developments.
The list included Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin.
Other leaders also included Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, and Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu.
Qatar Tourism to cover extended hotel stays for travellers until airspace reopens
Qatar Tourism will cover the cost of extended hotel stays for guests unable to depart due to ongoing travel restrictions. Hotels have been directed to extend stays from February 28 until airport operations resume, with relevant teams providing further guidance.
Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from Russian President
Qatar’s Amir received a phone call on Monday from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed Moscow’s solidarity following Iran’s attacks and affirmed readiness to provide support to strengthen Qatar’s security and stability.
Sheikh Tamim thanked the Russian President for his solidarity and support. Both leaders discussed regional developments and stressed the importance of dialogue, negotiations and intensified diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and safeguard regional stability.
Europe gas prices surge close to 50% after Qatar halts LNG production
European natural gas futures surged 50% to a one-year high of €47/MWh as Middle East tensions disrupted supply.
QatarEnergy halted LNG production at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed complexes, which account for about 20% of global supply, after Iranian drones targeted its facilities. The suspension threatens roughly 15% of EU LNG imports.
CENTCOM: fourth U.S. service member killed in action
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a fourth service member’s died succumbing to injuries inflicted in the attack.
“Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing. The identities of the fallen are being withheld until 24 hours after next of kin notification,” it said on Monday.
QatarEnergy ceases LNG production
QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products following the military attacks on its facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City, the state-owned energy company announced in a statement on Monday.
The company added that it “values its relationships with all of its stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information.”
Qatar’s Al-Ansari: Iran’s strikes ‘cannot go unanswered’
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told CNN on Monday said that Iran’s attacks on Qatar cannot go unanswered, noting that Doha is not in contact with the Iranian government.
“This cannot go unanswered, a price has to be paid for this attack on our people,” said Al-Ansari, who is also the advisor to the Prime Minister.
The Qatari official added that Qatar has faced “more than 100 missiles and scores of drones” and the strikes targeted “civilian and commercial infrastructure”.
He said that “there were multiple attempts targeting the airport”, without specifying whether it was HIA or the Doha International Airport.
MOI urges public not to to tamper with suspicious or unknown objects
The MOI urged the public not to approach, handle or tamper with any suspicious or unknown objects and report them by calling 999.
“Adherence to these instructions enhances public safety and supports the swift response of the competent authorities,” the MOI said on X.
MOD: Iran targeted water tank, energy facility in Qatar
Two Iranian drones targeted a water tank and an energy facility in Qatar, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) announced on Monday.
One drone targeted a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed and the other targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, belonging to QatarEnergy, without reporting any human casualties.
“All damages and losses resulting from the attack will be assessed by the relevant authorities, and an official statement will be issued later,” the ministry added.
Qatar’s Amir receives phone call from Maldives President
Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a phone call from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday, where both leaders discussed the current situation in Doha.
The Maldivian President condemned Iran’s attacks and expressed his country’s solidarity with Qatar. Both sides also stressed the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the current crisis.
MOI warns against gathering around incident sites
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) warned against gathering at incident sites or filming and sharing footage related to ongoing field developments to avoid legal consequences.
“Such actions hinder the work of competent authorities and negatively affect response times and the safety of all,” the ministry said on X.
The MoI also urged everyone to obtain information from official sources to ensure safety and security, noting that the circulation or publication of rumours constitutes a violation subject to legal accountability.
Qatar Airways’ operations remain temporarily suspended
Qatar Airways has extended the suspension of its flight operations as Qatari airspace remains closed for a third consecutive day.
Services will resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms it is safe to reopen. The airline said an update will be provided on March 3 at 9:00am Doha time. Passengers are advised to check the latest flight information through the Qatar Airways app.
Oil prices soar, stock markets fall amid regional conflict
Stocks fell and oil prices surged as escalating conflict in the Middle East rattled global markets, prompting investors to retreat from risk assets.
Asian shares dropped 1.4%, while US equity futures slipped 0.7%, reflecting continued market volatility.
Treasuries reversed earlier gains, and Brent crude, after initially spiking as much as 13%, eased slightly. Futures signalled a weak open for European equities.
Iran rules out talks with U.S.
Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has ruled out negotiations with the U.S., saying President Donald Trump has plunged the region into chaos with “delusional fantasies”.
Larijani rejected the recent U.S. media reports suggesting he was seeking to restart nuclear talks with Washington.
Loud bangs heard in Qatar amid Iran attacks
Loud explosions were heard in Qatar early Monday morning as Iranian missile and drone attacks continue.
Residents also received alerts on their mobile phones urging them to remain indoors and only go out in cases of absolute necessity until the danger has passed.
