New York – July 20, 2026

The State of Qatar has addressed two identical letters to His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and His Excellency Mr. Zénon Mukongo Ngay, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of July, regarding developments related to the Iranian attack on its territory. The attack constitutes a flagrant violation of Qatar's national sovereignty, a direct infringement on its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.

The two letters were transmitted by Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations.

The two letters cited that the Islamic Republic of Iran targeted the Qatari vessel Al Rukiyat while it was transiting near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.

The two letters added:

"The Ministry of Defense announced that the State of Qatar was subjected to a missile attack on Sunday, 12 July 2026, and that the Qatari Armed Forces successfully intercepted a number of ballistic missile attacks. The Ministry of Interior further announced that, based on reports received following the Iranian attacks of 12 July 2026, three injuries—including one child—were confirmed as a result of debris from the interception operations. The Ministry of Defense also announced that the Qatari Armed Forces successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Qatar on Friday, 17 July 2026."

The two letters reiterated the State of Qatar's strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attacks, describing them as a serious and unacceptable escalation that constitutes a direct threat to its security and safety, as well as to regional and international stability. They further stated that the attacks represent a flagrant violation of the principles and provisions of international law, the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and their Additional Protocols.

The two letters stressed that the attack constitutes a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which condemned in the strongest terms the heinous attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the State of Qatar and other countries in the region, and called for the immediate cessation of all attacks.

The two letters held the Islamic Republic of Iran fully legally responsible for these attacks and for all resulting damage and consequences, stating that it is therefore obligated to provide compensation for all losses incurred by the State of Qatar as a result of these acts.

The two letters reaffirmed that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and the right to self-defense guaranteed by international law, stressing that it will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents.