Qatar ordered the expulsion of Iran's military and security attachés along with their staff on Wednesday, declaring them persona non grata after an Iranian missile struck the country's key Ras Laffan Industrial City. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered an official note to the Iranian embassy, demanding the diplomats depart within 24 hours.

The decision came in direct response to what Doha described as repeated Iranian aggression, including a ballistic missile attack that caused extensive damage to the sprawling industrial complex housing the world's largest liquefied natural gas production facilities. Qatar's defense forces intercepted four incoming missiles, but one hit Ras Laffan, sparking fires and halting operations at QatarEnergy facilities. The ministry condemned the strikes as a "flagrant breach of international law, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817, and the principles of good neighborliness."

Qatar affirmed its right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and security in accordance with international law, warning of further actions if attacks continue. Iran's ambassador to Qatar remains in place, as the expulsion targets only the specified attachés and their teams.

The incident marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Doha and Tehran, despite their shared ownership of the world's largest natural gas field—Qatar's North Dome and Iran's South Pars. The strikes follow Israel's recent attack on South Pars facilities, which Qatar initially condemned as irresponsible. Iran has since threatened and targeted energy infrastructure across the Gulf, including sites in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, in retaliation.

Ras Laffan, located northeast of Doha, produces about 20% of global LNG exports, and the damage has fueled concerns over energy supply disruptions and rising prices. QatarEnergy previously suspended production after earlier Iranian drone attacks, exacerbating market volatility.

This diplomatic rupture signals Qatar's shift from mediation efforts between regional powers toward a firmer stance amid the broadening conflict involving Iran, Israel, and Gulf states.