Iran labels Al Jazeera HQ in Doha a legitimate target, orders immediate evacuation

International, Middle East

MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — March 22, 2026 — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on March 21 has reportedly issued an evacuation notice for residents of Doha, Qatar, explicitly identifying Al Jazeera’s headquarters as a potential target.

The IRGC claimed that Doha was hosting U.S. forces and promoting anti-Iranian narratives, declaring such sites “legitimate targets.” The warning urged residents to leave areas near U.S. military facilities and hostile media centres without delay.

The announcement shocked observers, as Qatar and its state-funded Al Jazeera network have often been viewed as sympathetic to Iran. Analysts note that years of cooperation and favourable coverage appear to have been cast aside, underscoring the volatility of alliances in the region.

Since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel, Iran has repeatedly launched missiles and drones at Gulf states, prompting regional governments to coordinate defences and present a united front against what they describe as escalating Iranian aggression. The latest threat against Al Jazeera adds a new dimension, targeting not only military assets but also influential media institutions.