Iran has launched missile strikes targeting US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, in a significant escalation of regional hostilities following US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
According to state-run Tasnim news agency, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the attack as part of a “mighty and victorious” retaliation. Explosions were reported over Doha shortly after the announcement, and air raid warnings were issued in the region.
Qatar Intercepts Missiles
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attack on the US-run Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East.
In a statement posted on X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the missiles were intercepted by Qatari air defenses and no casualties were reported. The base had been preemptively evacuated before the strike.
“We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter,” the statement read.
Qatar affirmed its right to respond proportionally to the attack.
Base Was on High Alert Before Strikes
Hours before the missile launch, the US and UK embassies in Qatar had issued warnings for their citizens to shelter in place due to a “credible threat” to the Coalition Air Operations Centre at Al-Udeid. The Qatari government also temporarily closed its airspace, diverting flights from Doha International Airport.
Al-Udeid, located west of Doha, houses thousands of US troops and serves as the operational headquarters for US Central Command (CENTCOM) air missions across the Middle East.
Iran Warns Further Attacks Will Not Go Unanswered
In a statement following the strike, the IRGC reiterated that Iran “will not leave any attack on its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national security unanswered under any circumstances.”
This marks a clear response to the US-led strike on Iran’s nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan over the weekend — an operation President Trump said caused “monumental damage.”
Trump Briefed as Security Meeting Begins
President Donald Trump is now in the West Wing attending a National Security Council meeting, as confirmed by White House reporters. Earlier statements from the administration suggested Trump’s controversial remarks about potential regime change in Iran were rhetorical, but the situation has since deteriorated rapidly.
The White House and Department of Defense have confirmed they are monitoring ongoing threats to US assets in the region.
Escalation After US Nuclear Facility Strikes
The Iranian attack follows Saturday’s US airstrikes on deeply buried nuclear facilities, including the Fordow uranium enrichment site, reportedly using 30,000-pound bunker busters and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Simultaneously, Israel conducted coordinated strikes targeting strategic Iranian assets, including access routes to Fordow and Evin prison in Tehran.
Iran had already retaliated against Israel with a barrage of 40 missiles, injuring over 80 civilians and damaging a residential building in Tel Aviv. Israeli air defenses successfully intercepted many of the projectiles.
Qatar’s Strategic Role
With approximately 8,000 US citizens and key Western military infrastructure, Qatar’s role in the conflict is drawing increased attention.
Al-Udeid plays a critical role in supporting US and coalition military activities across the Gulf region.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the first evacuation flight for UK nationals from Israel has already departed.
The UN Secretary-General warns that the conflict risks spiralling into a broader regional war unless urgent diplomatic de-escalation efforts occur.
