Doha, March 01 (QNA) - Qatari newspapers expressed in their Sunday editorials strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attack that targeted the State of Qatar and four other Gulf countries in its attempt to force peaceful countries into its war with the Israeli entity and the United States of America. 

The newspapers emphasized that this reprehensible attack targeting Qatari territory with Iranian missiles constitutes a blatant attack on Qatar's sovereignty, a flagrant violation of international law, and is completely inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness that the State of Qatar has always been keen to uphold.

The papers stressed that this can only be described as a blatant and unacceptable act of aggression and a violation of the national sovereignty of the State of Qatar and the Gulf countries that were subjected to it.

Newspapers also highlighted communications received by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani from world leaders and heads of state who stood in solidarity with Qatar and condemned the Iranian attack on Qatari sovereignty, pointing out that these communications reflect Qatar's status and credibility across various levels, as well as its leading role in establishing regional and international security and peace.

For its part, Al-Sharq said in its editorial that once again Iran is committing a grave strategic error by targeting Qatar and four other Gulf states, for the first time in the history of the region, in order to drag these peaceful countries into its war with the Israeli entity and the United States of America.

In an article by its editor-in-chief, the newspaper considered that this reprehensible and condemned crime is a blatant attack on Qatar's national sovereignty, a flagrant violation of international law, and is not at all consistent with the principles of good neighborliness, which the State of Qatar is always keen on. Moreover, the State of Qatar has made tremendous efforts to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between Iran, the United States of America, and the international community in general on more than one occasion.

Al-Sharq said that Qatar is working hard to establish international security and stability in the region and to stay away from any regional conflicts, adding that what Iran has done cannot be accepted under any justification or pretext, and can only be described as a blatant and unacceptable aggression and a violation of the national sovereignty of the State of Qatar and the Gulf countries.

The newspaper pointed out that the communications received by HH the Amir from world leaders and heads of state who stood in solidarity with Qatar and condemned the Iranian attack on Qatari sovereignty best proves its status and credibility across various levels thanks to its leading role in establishing regional and international security and peace.

What Iran claims about targeting US bases is false and baseless, the newspaper underlined, adding that the State of Qatar did not allow its territory to be used to launch attacks on Iran, while there are US fleets and aircraft carriers deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, in addition to active US military bases spread across Asia, East Asia and Central Asia, but despite this, Iran did not target or attack them.

Al-Sharq concluded its editorial by praising the valiant heroes of the Qatari Armed Forces, who skillfully intercepted 63 Iranian missiles and 11 drones targeting Qatar and prevented them from achieving their goals. There were no fatalities, except for the injuries of eight civilians from falling shrapnel, one of whom in serious condition. This success is thanks first and foremost to God, and then to the success and skill of our heroic soldiers, who are once again demonstrating their high capabilities and efficiency in defending the homeland and protecting its resources. 

Under the headline "Qatar Thwarts the Attack… Reassures the Public Through State Stability and Institutional Readiness: Sovereignty Protected, Skies Secured," Al-Arab newspaper noted that in a time of rapidly unfolding news and developments in the region, trust is measured by what people witness on the ground and hear from official authorities. It noted that the Ministry of Interior emphasized that the situation within the State of Qatar is stable and secure, and that current security indicators are reassuring domestically. Authorities continue to monitor the situation round-the-clock within a comprehensive field and operational framework, in coordination with relevant authorities, to ensure the preservation of public security, the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors, and the uninterrupted continuity of services.

In an editorial by its editor-in-chief, the newspaper emphasized that the state remains firmly in control of the situation, assessing risks moment by moment and communicating with society in a precise language. It demonstrated an ability to maintain the rhythm of daily life at a time when societies lean toward anxiety and speculation. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the successful interception of attacks targeting the country, according to preliminary field assessments, resulted in no human casualties or material damage in residential areas. The newspaper attributed this outcome to the readiness of early-warning systems, rapid field response, and the capacity of emergency teams to verify, assess, and manage information flows within a short period of time.

The paper further underscored the importance of coordination among relevant entities, as explicitly referenced by the Ministry of Interior. This coordination shortens the time required to protect the public and reassures society that institutions operate calmly and confidently even in times of tension. The continuity of public services, it added, forms an essential component of security itself; maintaining economic, educational, and service activities within permissible conditions sends a message of reassurance by itself.

The paper noted that the relevant authorities aimed to establish a simple yet crucial principle in this era of information chaos: official statements as the primary source of information. The Ministry of Interior urged the public to obtain information from official, verified sources, avoiding rumors and information from unknown sources, including the circulation of unreliable videos or news. It emphasized that any updates would be announced through official channels. This aspect, the paper emphasized, is an integral part of national security, protecting society from confusion, and preserving social cohesion to prevent harmful behaviors such as unnecessary crowding or the spread of misinformation.

Al-Arab affirmed that, thanks to high readiness, security vigilance, and joint coordination among concerned entities, the Ministry of Defense successfully countered several attacks targeting the country. Official statements announced the interception of successive waves of attacks aimed at multiple locations across the state.

The newspaper considered the successful interception to be part of a broader deterrence equation: every attempt to test defenses is met with a ready capability, and every escalation is countered with highly efficient protective measures. This gains meaning when coupled with the Ministry of Interior's announcement that, according to the initial survey, no injuries or material damage in residential areas were recorded, reflecting that the protection of human life was their main priority.

In this context, the paper noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clear and unequivocal statement condemning the targeting of Qatari territory by Iranian ballistic missiles, describing it as a blatant violation of national sovereignty, a direct threat to security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation endangering regional stability. The statement also affirmed Qatar's full right to respond to this attack in a manner proportionate to its nature and in accordance with international law, in defense of its sovereignty and the protection of its national security and interests.

This definition, it was noted, presents a coherent framework: protected sovereignty, a legitimate right of self-defense, within legal measures. It also reinforces a fundamental understanding that state security is inseparable from the rules of the international order.

Al-Arab concluded that people remain the priority, and communication itself forms part of security. When a state is confronted by a cross-border threat, precautionary measures reflect the maturity of its risk-management approach.

For its part, Al-Raya newspaper said, in its editorial, that at a time when the State of Qatar is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to spare the region the dangers of escalation, having long been among the first to call for dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Qatari territory has, regrettably, been targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles, which constitute a blatant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that endangers the security and stability of the region.

The newspaper emphasized that these reprehensible attacks and blatant aggressions cannot be justified under any circumstances, stressing that Qatar, as a sovereign and independent state, will not accept violations of its sovereignty or threats to its security and the safety of its people. In light of this attack, Qatar reserves its full right to respond to this targeting in accordance with international law and in a manner proportionate to the nature of the aggression, in defense of its sovereignty and protection of its national security and interests.

It further noted that targeting Qatari territory is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness and cannot be accepted under any pretext or justification. Qatar has consistently sought to distance itself from regional conflicts and has worked to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community, Al-Raya said. However, the renewed targeting of its territory does not reflect good intentions and threatens the foundations of mutual understanding upon which bilateral relations between the two countries were built.

In this context, the newspaper also pointed to Qatar's condemnation of violations of the sovereignty of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain in Iran's blatant aggression, affirming its full solidarity with these fraternal nations in any measures they take to safeguard their sovereignty, security, and stability.

It stressed that this condemned attack targeting Qatar's territory failed completely, as the armed forces successfully intercepted it with high efficiency and capability due to their high level of readiness, vigilance, and coordinated efforts among relevant authorities. Missile threats were addressed immediately upon detection according to pre-approved operational plans, the newspaper noted, adding that Qatar's armed forces possess full capabilities and resources to protect the country's security and firmly confront any external threat.

Al-Raya concluded by stating that all are aware of the readiness of Qatar's brave armed forces to protect the lives and safety of everyone residing on this blessed land. Qatar places great importance on developing the capabilities of its armed forces, enhancing the professionalism of Qatari soldiers, and equipping them with the latest military equipment and weaponry, which reflects the state's commitment to safeguarding and protecting national assets from any aggressors. This was clearly demonstrated by the armed forces' efficiency in thwarting and confronting the attacks without any threat to the country's security or territorial safety.

For its part, Al-Watan newspaper highlighted the phone calls received by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani from leaders of fraternal and friendly countries who expressed their deep solidarity with Qatar and their rejection of anything that might harm it.

The newspaper stated that this wide wave of solidarity stems from the great respect and appreciation that the State of Qatar enjoys because of its supportive positions toward international security and peace, and the significant efforts it exerts in this regard, which are valued by the entire international community.

It pointed to the messages of solidarity with Doha and the strong condemnation of the targeting of Qatari territory, as well as statements by leaders of fraternal and friendly countries affirming their readiness to provide all possible support to Qatar in whatever measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and stability.

The newspaper stressed Qatar's standing and its wise leadership, and the high level of respect and esteem it holds internationally. Despite the blatant violation of its national sovereignty and the direct threat to its security and territorial safety, Qatar has remained faithful to its principles, emphasizing that it has long been among the first to call for dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran and has consistently advocated this principle as the best foundation for resolving disputes, the newspaper added.

Al-Watan concluded its editorial by stating that targeting Qatari territory is inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness and cannot be accepted under any pretext or justification. Qatar has always sought to distance itself from regional conflicts and has worked to facilitate dialogue between Iran and the international community. Despite recent developments, it called for a return to the negotiating table, the prioritization of reason and wisdom, and containing the crisis in a way that preserves regional security and safeguards the interests of its peoples.

In turn, the Peninsula newspaper said that targeting Qatari territory with Iranian ballistic missiles yesterday, marks a dangerous and deeply troubling escalation in an already fragile region. The attack, which is a flagrant violation of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, reflects the gravity of the moment facing the Gulf.

In its editorial, the newspaper said that sovereignty is the cornerstone of international order. Any strike against the territory of a neighboring state, particularly with ballistic missiles, crosses a line that no responsible actor should approach, the newspaper said, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks, considering the act inconsistent with the principles of good neighborliness and cannot be accepted under any pretext. 

It stressed the State of Qatar's reservation of its full right to respond in accordance with international law underscores a measured yet firm stance, defences of sovereignty is non-negotiable, but any response will remain proportionate and grounded in legal norms. 

It noted that what makes this escalation particularly disheartening is Qatar's long-standing commitment to dialogue. For years, Doha has positioned itself as a bridge-builder, advocating engagement with Tehran, encouraging negotiations, and striving to insulate the Gulf from the devastating consequences of confrontation. The renewed targeting of Qatari territory undermines the very foundations of trust upon which bilateral understandings were built. It raises urgent questions about whether good faith remains possible in the absence of mutual respect for sovereignty.

The Peninsula concluded its editorial by stressing that the path forward must be guided by reason and restraint. Qatar's renewed call for the immediate cessation of escalatory actions and a return to negotiations is not a sign of weakness. It is recognition that sustainable security cannot be achieved through force alone. Dialogue, even when strained, remains the only viable route to de-escalation and long-term stability. (QNA)