In a dramatic diplomatic move, Qatar has declared the military attaché and security attaché of the Iranian Embassy in Doha, along with all staff in their respective offices, persona non grata, giving them 24 hours to leave the country.

In a formal note delivered to the Iranian Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it “considers both the military attaché and the security attaché persona non grata” and demanded their immediate departure.

The ministry cited “repeated acts of aggression and violations of Qatar’s sovereignty and security,” including recent missile and drone activities in the Gulf region, as the reason for the expulsions.

Officials stressed that the move targets only the military and security sections of the embassy, leaving the ambassador and other diplomatic staff unaffected. “This is a necessary step to protect Qatar’s territorial integrity and national interests,” the ministry said, warning that “continued hostile actions will be met with further measures under international law.”

The decision comes after an Iranian ballistic missile strike near Ras Laffan Industrial City, a critical hub for Qatar’s liquefied natural gas exports, which Doha condemned as a direct threat to its infrastructure and regional stability.

Analysts suggest the expulsions could reshape diplomatic dynamics in the Gulf, where Qatar has often maintained dialogue with Tehran despite broader regional tensions. Observers say the measure sends a firm signal that Qatar will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty.

No immediate comment was available from the Iranian Embassy in Doha or Iran’s Foreign Ministry regarding the expulsions. Qatar reiterated that it reserves the right to take further actions consistent with international law to safeguard its security.