New york: The State of Qatar has sent a tenth identical letter to Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, and to Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the UN and President of the Security Council for the month of April, regarding the latest developments of the Iranian attack on its territories. The letter highlighted that the attack constitutes a blatant violation of its national sovereignty, a direct threat to its security and territorial integrity, and an unacceptable escalation that threatens the security and stability of the region.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the letter was sent by Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the UN. The letter noted Qatar's Ministry of Defence's announcement that the country was subjected to attacks by a number of drones from the Islamic Republic of Iran on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, March 28, 29 and 30, which Qatar's Armed Forces successfully intercepted, and to targeting by three cruise missiles on Wednesday, April 1, two of which were intercepted, while the third struck an oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy in the economic waters of the State. The letter added that the necessary measures were taken, and coordination was made with the relevant authorities to evacuate the tanker, whose crew numbered 21 people, without any human losses being recorded.
The letter also highlighted that QatarEnergy confirmed that the tanker "Aqua 1", a fuel oil tanker chartered by QatarEnergy, was targeted by a missile attack on Wednesday morning, and that none of the tanker's crew members were harmed, and that this attack did not result in any environmental effects, noting that this attack was carried out by Iran even after the Security Council adopted Resolution No. 2817 (2026), which condemned in the strongest terms the heinous attacks launched by Iran against Qatar and neighbouring countries, and demanded an immediate end to all such attacks.
The State of Qatar also reiterated that this attack constitutes a violation of Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), and once again urged the Security Council to assume its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security and to take the necessary measures to stop these serious violations and deter their perpetrators.
The letter emphasised that the targets of the attacks by Iran are purely civilian in nature, and that targeting them constitutes a blatant violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, and of the principles of international humanitarian law, specifically the principle of distinction, the prohibition of targeting civilians and civilian objects in armed conflicts, the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks, the principle of proportionality, and the obligation to take due precautions to avoid civilian targets.
The letter stressed that these unlawful acts by Iran entail international responsibility, making it obligated, as the case may be, to provide compensation for all damages incurred by Qatar as a result of these acts. All damages and losses resulting from the attacks will be assessed by the competent authorities, and updates will be provided on developments.
The letter emphasised that Qatar reserves its right to respond in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter and the right to self-defence guaranteed by international law, stressing that Qatar will not hesitate to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens and residents on its territory. The State of Qatar also requested that this letter be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.