Saudi Arabia, UAE Condemn Iran’s Strike on US Base in Qatar

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have issued strong condemnations following Iran’s missile strike on the Al Udeid U.S. Air Base in Qatar. The strike marks a sharp escalation in an already tense Middle East standoff. Both nations denounced the attack as a serious breach of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law, pledging solidarity and support for Qatar.

• Target: Iran launched up to 14 medium- and short-range ballistic missiles at Al Udeid, the largest U.S. military base in the region, in retaliation for U.S.-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

• No casualties: Qatari air defenses intercepted the majority; one missile struck a building but caused no injuries or damage.

• Saudi & Emirati response: Both criticized the attack in the "strongest terms," calling it an unjustifiable escalation and violation of international norms

• Strongest-term condemnation: Saudi Foreign Ministry labelled the strike a “flagrant violation of international law and principles of good neighbourliness” 

• Support for Qatar: Saudi Arabia affirmed solidarity, offering all “capabilities” to support Doha 

• Royal outreach: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contacted the Qatari Emir, pledging technical and security assistance.

Condemnation in strongest terms: UAE Foreign Ministry described the strike as a breach of Qatar’s sovereignty, urging immediate cessation of military action

Call for de-escalation: Warned that continued violence threatens regional stability and could trigger catastrophic consequences

Bahrain, Jordan, Oman: Joined Saudi and UAE in condemning the missile attack, reiterating support for Qatar and use of diplomatic channels to defuse tensions 

Egypt & Kuwait also denounced the strike as a violation of sovereignty and pledged assistance to Qatar

• Airspace disruptions: Qatar and UAE closed their airspace temporarily, disrupting commercial flights across the Gulf 

• Heightened alert: Gulf countries raised security measures; Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to shelter indoors

• Qatar: Condemned the attack as a sovereign violation; reserves “right to respond” under international law 

• UN Secretary‑General António Guterres expressed deep alarm, urging all parties to stop fighting 

• France, Italy: European governments also voiced support for Qatar and called for restraint.

Escalation risk: Missile strikes on U.S. military installations could spark broader military responses.

Impact on global energy: Disruptions to Gulf airspace risk increasing oil volatility and insurance costs.

Diplomatic fracture: The incident further exposes rifts among Gulf allies and strains regional cohesion.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s sharp condemnation underscores the gravity of Iran’s strike on a U.S. base in Qatar. By labeling it an unacceptable violation and pledging solidarity with Doha, these Gulf powers are drawing clear lines in a highly volatile conflict. As tensions ripple across the region, all eyes will be on Qatar’s next moves and whether broader stability can be restored through swift diplomatic efforts.