UN chief, Gulf leader concerned by Iranian attack on US base in Qatar

The United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council have issued statements condemning the Iranian attack on a United States military base in Qatar amid fears of a wider conflict.

In a post on X, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply alarmed by the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

"I strongly condemn today's attack by Iran on Qatar, a country that has been active for peace in the region and further afield," added Guterres.

In a separate statement, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the Iranian attack constituted a flagrant violation of Qatar's sovereignty.

Albudaiwi added that the security of the GCC states is indivisible, and that the council stands with Qatar in confronting any threat to its security and territorial integrity.

Qatar intercepted most of the Iranian missiles fired late Monday night at the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East. After US attacks against Iran's nuclear sites Saturday, the Iranian military said all US assets in the Middle East were natural targets of retaliation.

Albudaiwi urged efforts to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, as well as emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.

The Arab Parliament, the legislative arm of the Arab League, also condemned the attack, saying it was "a clear breach of international law".

In a statement, the parliament expressed solidarity with Qatar and offered its complete support for any measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The parliament also reiterated its warning against the expansion of the conflict in the region and the risks of further escalation that could undermine security and stability.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman issued separate statements condemning the strikes. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also slammed the attack, while Iraq and Egypt expressed concern over the "dangerous" and escalating situation in the region.