ISTANBUL

Qatar expressed concern on Tuesday after Iranian attacks targeted Gulf countries despite an earlier apology from Iran’s president.

“We were optimistic after the Iranian president’s apology, but afterward we saw attacks on the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari, referring to statements on Saturday by Masoud Pezeshkian.

The spokesman stressed that Doha is not a party to the ongoing Iran conflict “but will continue to defend its territory.”

“We still believe in diplomacy, but any aggression against Qatar will be dealt with in the appropriate manner,” he added.

Al-Ansari warned that Iranian attacks are affecting both Qatar’s economy and the economy worldwide.