Iran tells UN its strike on US base in Qatar was defensive, not a threat to Doha

Iran has told the United Nations Security Council that its missile strike on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was a legitimate act of self-defense and posed no threat to the Qatari government or people, according to a letter from its ambassador released Wednesday.

In the letter, Iran’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, said the June 23 strike was carried out in response to US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and was consistent with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows for self-defense.

The letter cited US responsibility for strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22, which President Trump publicly acknowledged. Iravani said the Iranian response was “defensive, legitimate, and proportionate,” and emphasized that the targeted US base was located far from civilian areas to avoid collateral damage.

Iran also stressed that the action did not endanger Qatar, calling the country a “friend and brother” and reaffirming its commitment to strong bilateral relations.