Amwaj:

In a dramatic escalation of the 12-day war between Iran and Israel last month, the Iranian armed forces on June 23 launched a missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar—home to the largest US military installation in the region. Framed as retaliation for American airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites the previous day, the attack marked a rare direct confrontation between the two long-time adversaries. Residents in Doha reported loud explosions and bright flashes in the sky as Qatari air defense systems sought to intercept the missiles.

Although Iran has insisted that it did not target Qatar itself and expressed regret to the Gulf Arab state’s leadership, the missile strike has caused concern within Qatari society and among policymakers. Mindful of its hitherto cordial ties with Iran and condemnation of the US bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, Qatar labeled the strike on Al-Udeid Air Base a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law, adding that it reserves the right to respond. While the incident did not result in any casualties—and a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was swiftly brokered by the US—it has had political and social implications in Qatar.

Shock to sovereignty and surge in civic nationalism

The Iranian attack on June 23 represented an unprecedented breach of Qatari sovereignty. While declared to be aimed at US military installations, the reality is that the Gulf Arab state for the first time experienced missile strikes on its soil. This prompted an outpouring of nationalist sentiments on Qatari social media, as citizens and residents alike rallied behind the state, expressed support for its leadership and commended the performance of the armed forces.

A particularly symbolic post on Instagram—featuring the Qatari flag accompanied by the Quranic verse, “Oh Lord, make this land secure”—went viral, accumulating tens of thousands of shares. Those disseminating it notably included Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the sister of the Emir of Qatar, and influential citizens and residents who described the peninsula nation as “home.”

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