Qatar has condemned an attack on its Ras Laffan Industrial City, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and an “unacceptable violation” that threatens regional stability.

In a statement, the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the strike reflects ongoing attempts by Iran to drag the region into a broader conflict.

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani warned that continued hostile actions and any expansion of the war would only lead to further escalation, stressing that regional security is a collective responsibility.

The development follows reported strikes by Israel on Iran’s South Pars Gas Field one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves earlier this week. Tehran subsequently retaliated by targeting the energy complex in Qatar, triggering a spike in global energy prices.

Qatari authorities said a large portion of the incoming attack was intercepted, although some facilities were hit. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated across the Gulf, with multiple countries reporting missile and drone attacks within hours.

The United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems were responding to incoming threats from Iran, warning residents they might hear interception activity.

Kuwait also reported explosions linked to its air defence operations and urged citizens to follow official safety instructions.

In Saudi Arabia, authorities said five drones were intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region. Meanwhile, Bahrain activated emergency sirens, advising residents to move to safe locations.

Bahraini officials later said the incident was the result of “Iranian aggression,” adding that falling debris from intercepted objects caused a fire at a warehouse.

The latest developments underscore rapidly rising tensions in the Gulf, raising concerns over a wider regional conflict.

#From BBC