Kiir expresses solidarity with Qatar amid Iran tensions

JUBA – President Salva Kiir has expressed South Sudan’s solidarity with Qatar following what Doha described as “flagrant aggression” by Iran, according to a report by Qatar News Agency (QNA).

The expression of support came during a phone conversation between President Kiir and Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The call focused on recent security developments in the Gulf region and their potential impact on regional and international stability.

As part of its retaliation against the U.S.–Israel military campaign against Iran, Tehran launched a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region beginning on 28 February 2026.

The strikes have hit several countries that host U.S. forces or have close security ties with the United States, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Iranian forces targeted multiple U.S. military bases, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) publicly stated that it had struck or attempted strikes on four major U.S. bases, among them Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

Qatar has reported intercepting waves of Iranian missiles and drones, with some property damage but no confirmed major casualties at U.S. facilities as of the latest statements.

In the call with Qatar’s Amir on Sunday, Kiir conveyed his government’s backing of Qatar in light of the reported Iranian actions. QNA did not provide details about the specific incident but described it as an act of aggression that has heightened tensions in the region.

The Qatari Amir thanked President Kiir for the gesture and acknowledged the diplomatic ties between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed broader security concerns and the possible repercussions of escalating tensions for global peace.

The development places South Sudan among countries that have publicly aligned themselves with Qatar amid the unfolding situation. It also signals Juba’s continued diplomatic engagement beyond the African continent, particularly in the Gulf region, which plays a significant role in global energy markets and international security dynamics.

South Sudan, a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, maintains diplomatic relations with several Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

While Juba has not historically been directly involved in Middle Eastern geopolitics, statements of solidarity in moments of heightened tension reflect the government’s foreign policy positioning and its interest in sustaining bilateral partnerships.

The phone call comes at a time when geopolitical tensions between Iran, the United States, and Gulf countries remain sensitive, with concerns that any escalation could have wider implications for trade routes, energy supplies, and regional security frameworks.

South Sudanese authorities have not issued a separate detailed statement beyond the report carried by QNA. It remains unclear whether further diplomatic engagement between Juba and Doha is planned in response to the developments.