File Photo: Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. AFP
During the call, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, security, and national interests in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
The call between the Qatari emir and the US president came a few hours after Israel announced it has started airstrikes on Iranian oil depots, hitting 30 such installations in Tehran and elsewhere in the country, thus threatening to trigger more Iranian retaliation in the oil-rich region.
It also comes hours after President Trump announced that the US and Israel would launch more devastating airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government rejected Trump’s ultimatum demanding unconditional surrender but issued an apology for Tehran’s attacks on its neighbours since the start of the war.
Since the start of the US/Israeli war on Iran, Tehran has retaliated by launching hundreds of ballistic missile and drone attacks on US bases and US-linked economic targets in neighbouring Arab Gulf countries, including Qatar, killing at least 13 and wounding dozens.
Earlier on Wednesday, Sheikh Tamim ordered an increase in military readiness levels and coordination “to ensure the protection and security of the state."
The Iranian attacks on Qatari territory have reportedly included a missile and drone strike on Al Udeid Air Base—the largest US military installation in the Middle East, hosting CENTCOM and thousands of personnel; the Ras Laffan LNG plants and Mesaieed industrial area; and Hamad International Airport.
Qatari defences intercepted the bulk of more than 100 missiles and dozens of drones, downing two Iranian Su‑24 bombers.
Earlier on Saturday, Doha said the air defence systems have intercepted six ballistic missiles attacking its territories.
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