Qatar points out that the Al-Udaid base cannot be used to attack Iran

Qatar has ruled out using its Al-Udeid air base for attacks on other nations, the country’s prime minister said, as regional tensions rise over a possible Israeli attack on Iran.

Qatar hosts around 13,000 US troops at Al-Udeid base – the largest US military facility in the Middle East.

“The State of Qatar does not accept attacks on countries or peoples from the Al-Udeid base,” Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said on state television on Tuesday evening.

“The relationship with the United States is a strategic partnership characterized by cooperation at multiple levels, emphasizing that each party enjoys full sovereignty and that neither party interferes in the affairs of the other,” he added.

Iran is on high alert awaiting Tel Aviv’s response to Iran’s Oct. 1 missile attack on several military bases in Israel – a key U.S. ally.

Tehran’s attack was in retaliation for the recent assassinations of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders as well as the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Al-Thani pointed to the success of Qatar’s foreign policy, which contributed to a ceasefire in the war in Gaza last November, when the Palestinian group Hamas exchanged Israeli prisoners for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The week-long ceasefire was brokered by Qatar – which continues to play a key role in seeking a ceasefire to end Israel’s war on Gaza – as well as Egypt and the United States.

He added that ending the war in Lebanon is Qatar’s priority and ongoing communication with Lebanese parties aims to stop Israeli aggression and achieve stability.

Al-Thani explained that Qatar always chooses a mediator role with the aim of returning rights to their owners in the Arab world.