Qatar’s military says it shot down two Iranian Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jets as part of the widening Middle East conflict, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
According to the Qatari Ministry of Defence, the aircraft were intercepted over or near Qatari airspace on March 2, 2026, alongside multiple Iranian drones and missiles that were also neutralised by air defences.
Doha closed its airspace during the exchange, citing security concerns as Iranian strikes continued to ripple across Gulf countries following the broader confrontation involving the United States and Israel.
Qatar’s announcement underscored its intent to defend its territory and sovereignty amid intensifying hostilities, which have already seen missile barrages and drone attacks in neighbouring states.
While Qatar has said it does not seek direct confrontation with Iran, the downing of military aircraft signals the conflict’s increasingly cross-border dynamic, amplifying fears of wider regional escalation and drawing sharp global attention to Gulf security.
