Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Saturday after Iran launched two missiles toward Qatar in an incident that reportedly targeted areas hosting major Western technology companies, including Google and Microsoft.
The missiles were directed toward the Qatari capital, Doha, a city that has become an important hub for global technology firms and international institutions.
According to reports, air defense systems intercepted the missiles before they reached their intended targets, preventing potential damage in the city.
The attack came shortly after Iran signaled it could strike Western-linked companies operating in the region. Following the warning, several technology giants quickly took precautionary steps to protect their staff. Companies such as IBM, Palantir, Oracle and Nvidia reportedly began evacuating employees working near their facilities in Qatar.
Security concerns have been growing in the Gulf region after earlier incidents that allegedly targeted facilities associated with Amazon in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
In response to the latest developments, authorities in Qatar reportedly began relocating some operations in Doha, including government offices and facilities connected to international companies.
The city is home to a number of global organizations and serves as a major center for education, technology and innovation.
Doha also hosts branches of at least six universities from the United States, making it one of the region’s most significant academic and research hubs.
Following the missile launch, several companies temporarily closed offices while others instructed their employees to work remotely as a precautionary measure.
Iran has repeatedly called on the United States to withdraw its companies and interests from the Middle East, warning that Western-linked institutions could become targets as regional tensions continue to grow.
