Qatar's air force has shot down two Iranian SU-24 fighter jets and intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones, according to the Qatari Defence Ministry on Monday, as regional conflict escalates following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The Qatari government condemned Iran's "reckless and irresponsible" targeting of its territory, which is part of a series of retaliatory strikes by Iran on countries including Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. This incident marks a significant military escalation, potentially signaling the start of air-to-air combat. Iran claims its actions are lawful self-defense against aggression, targeting only military objectives, but the strikes have drawn condemnation from regional nations and the US for endangering civilians and infrastructure. The attacks have also impacted energy production, with Qatar halting LNG output, causing global gas prices to surge.