Doha, Qatar – Explosions were heard in the Qatari capital on March 14, 2026, as the country intercepted two missiles amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The attacks, carried out by Iran, prompted authorities to evacuate key areas of Doha as a precautionary measure, according to reports.
Qatar’s defense ministry confirmed the missile interceptions in a series of posts, stating that its military had successfully targeted the incoming projectiles. The interior ministry announced the evacuation of several key areas to ensure public safety while the threat remained active. Residents in the Musheireb district received alerts instructing them to evacuate to safer locations, with many taking shelter in underground parking garages.
The strikes come as Iran continues retaliatory attacks against Gulf states following recent U.S.-Israeli strikes. The oil-rich Gulf region has borne the brunt of Iran’s response, with hundreds of missiles and drones launched at targets in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. This wave of attacks has left thousands stranded abroad and has damaged civilian infrastructure, including hotels and airports.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has strongly condemned Iran’s actions, describing them as a “dangerous miscalculation” and expressing a sense of “betrayal” among Tehran’s neighbors. “Just an hour after the start of the war, Qatar and other Gulf countries have been attacked,” he said, adding that Doha was not involved in any actions against its neighbors. The Prime Minister’s statement highlighted Qatar’s long-standing efforts to maintain positive relations with Iran, but criticized the justifications used for the attacks as “completely rejected.”
According to reports from the Strait Times, law enforcement officials were deployed to secure areas in Doha, including the headquarters of US technology firms Microsoft and Google. Iran’s military previously announced its intention to target economic interests in the region, including banks and tech companies.
The recent escalation underscores growing regional instability and raises concerns about the potential for further conflict. Qatar is continuing to seek de-escalation, while also calling on the United States to work towards reducing tensions in the region. Video footage shows the aftermath of the attacks, with explosions visible across the city.
Qatar’s foreign ministry stated that Iran “will pay a price” for the attacks, signaling a firm response to the escalating aggression. The development underscores growing regional tensions and could influence future diplomatic talks.
