Doha, Qatar – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qatar has declared certain officials at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran persona non grata, ordering their departure within 24 hours as diplomatic tensions escalate between the two countries.
The decision, announced on March 18, 2026, affects the Iranian embassy’s military attaché, security attaché, and staff attached to those offices.
Okay News reports that the Qatari government formally communicated the decision through an official note delivered to the Iranian embassy in Doha.
According to the statement, the move was discussed during a diplomatic meeting involving Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro and Iran’s ambassador to Qatar, Ali Salehabadi.
Qatar said the decision was taken in response to what it described as repeated targeting and hostile actions by Iran.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an official note to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State, stating that Qatar considers both the military attache and the security attache at the embassy, in addition to the staff of the two attache offices ‘persona non grata’, and requests that they leave the country within a maximum period of (24) hours.”
The ministry said the measure follows actions it considers a violation of its sovereignty and international norms.
“The ministry explained that this decision comes in response to repeated Iranian targeting and the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar, which violated its sovereignty and security, in a flagrant breach of the principles of international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution No. (2817), and the principles of good neighborliness.”
Qatar also warned that further actions could be taken if the situation persists, signalling a firm stance on protecting national interests.
“The ministry stressed that the continuation of this hostile approach by the Iranian side will be met with additional measures by the State of Qatar, in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security, and national interests.”
Reaffirming its position, the ministry added that Qatar retains the right to act in line with international law.
“The ministry affirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security, in accordance with the provisions of international law.”
