Qatar expels two Iranian diplomats and staff after Ras Laffan strike — warns of 'additional measures' if attacks continue

Qatar expelled two Iranian diplomats and their staff on March 18, 2026, following Iran's repeated attacks on Qatari territory — culminating in the Ras Laffan strike that caused extensive damage and fires at Qatar's main LNG hub. Qatar's foreign ministry issued a statement condemning Iran's 'brazen' attacks as a 'direct threat to its national security and the stability of the region'. The ministry accused Iran of 'pushing the region toward the abyss and drawing in countries that are not parties to this crisis into the circle of conflict'. The foreign ministry warned that if Iran continued to take 'hostile' action against Qatar, Doha would have to take 'additional measures' to protect itself — leaving open the possibility of military response or full diplomatic severance. The expulsion is a significant diplomatic rupture. Qatar has historically maintained open channels with Iran, including hosting the Al Udeid Air Base (largest US air base in the Middle East) while maintaining Doha's role as a diplomatic intermediary. The diplomat expulsions signal Qatar's tolerance threshold has been crossed, potentially foreclosing Iran's key Gulf diplomatic back-channel.