Qatar calls Iranian attack a 'surprise,' says foreign ministry spokesperson.

Qatar calls Iranian attack a 'surprise,' says foreign ministry spokesperson.

Qatar's Foreign Minister, Majed Al Ansari, has confirmed that Iran attempted to attack the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base on Monday, with Qatar's air defenses successfully thwarting the attack [1]. The minister condemned the assault, describing it as a "flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter" [1].

Following the incident, broader markets reacted with caution. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) traded flat, while the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (DIA) slipped by 0.13%. Only the Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (QQQ), which tracks the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100, remained in the green, up 0.1% [1].

The attack from Iran comes in response to the U.S. surprise strike on three of Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend. Iran's defense minister, Amir Hatami, stated that the U.S. would receive a "decisive response" [1]. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, also issued a public statement, referring to Israel as the "Zionist enemy" and stating that it must be punished [1].

Qatar has called for the immediate cessation of all military actions and a "serious return" to the negotiating table. The country's airspace was temporarily closed as a precautionary measure [1]. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, affirmed that Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles and reserved the right to a direct response proportionate to the nature and scale of the aggression [2].

The situation has drawn international condemnation. China's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. attack on Iran, stating that it seriously violates the United Nations Charter and worsens tensions in the Middle East [3].

As the situation unfolds, investors are advised to monitor developments closely, as geopolitical tensions can significantly impact global markets.

References:
[1] https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/qatar-confirms-iran-tried-to-strike-us-air-base/chm5aQvRRd5
[2] https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/gcc/qatar-strongly-condemns-iranian-attack-on-al-udeid-air-base-ei2x8sfw
[3] https://www.deccanherald.com/world/china-strongly-condemns-us-attack-on-iran-foreign-ministry-says-3597674