Khaberni - Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, stated that the defense systems downed 89 Iranian missiles out of 93 that targeted Qatar, amidst the American-Israeli war on Tehran.
Al-Ansari added in an interview with the American network "ABC" that most of the drones, numbering 25, were shot down before reaching their targets, emphasizing Qatar's commitment to the cause of peace in the region, and protecting its sovereignty from any aggression "like the attacks currently carried out by Iran".
He explained that the Iranian attacks on Qatar did not target individuals or American bases, noting that they threatened residential areas, targeted the airport several times, and aimed at the country's civil and commercial infrastructure.
Al-Ansari stated, "We remain vigilant" in light of the clear escalation of tensions, indicating that his country managed to repel all attacks, and that the military forces are making efforts to ensure that the people of Qatar, residents, and those stranded at the airport are safe.
"Iran is a neighboring country.. but!"
The spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry pointed out that Doha worked closely to support the talks between Washington and Tehran, which were led by Oman for peace in the region, adding "we have always said that the cycle of violence in our region, which began in 2023, if left unchecked would extend to cover the entire region."
He affirmed that Qatar works closely with its allies in the United States and friends in the region to achieve a peaceful resolution of all disputes, noting that the transition from negotiations to escalation "was not our decision".
Al-Ansari described Iran as a neighboring country, but his country has always had positions and objections to what it does in the region.
He added, "We have been at odds with Iran for its support for the Bashar al-Assad regime, and we always believe that all our neighbors deserve peace, and this can only be achieved through negotiation tables and cooperative efforts."
16 injured by missile fragments
Earlier on Sunday, the Qatari Ministry of Defense announced the successful defense against aerial attacks including drones and cruise missiles, launched from Iran towards the airspace of the State of Qatar.
The ministry stated in an official statement that the early warning and surveillance systems detected the targets immediately upon entering the monitoring range, where they were tracked and intercepted according to the adopted rules of engagement, ensuring the protection of national sovereignty and the safety of Qatari airspace.
Meanwhile, the Qatari Ministry of Interior announced in a statement on Sunday that it recorded 8 new injuries today, bringing the total number of injured due to the falling fragments of Iranian missiles to 16 since the start of the Iranian attacks, in addition to recording limited material losses in various parts of the country.
For the second day, Iran continued to launch missiles and drones towards what it claims are military bases and American interests in a number of Arab countries, in response to military operations carried out by Israel and the United States against targets inside Iran since Saturday morning.
