Iran launches missile strike on US base.
Iran launched a missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, as retaliation for American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. This marked a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the strike, calling it a direct response to what it described as a violation of Iranian sovereignty.
While Iran claimed it fired six missiles, the US said 14 were launched, and Qatar reported 19. Videos from Doha showed missile interception attempts lighting up the night sky. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. Qatar stated that all missiles were successfully intercepted, though the attack still sparked alarm. Hours before, the US and UK advised their citizens in Qatar to shelter in place.
Interestingly, Iran reportedly warned Qatar before launching the strike to minimize casualties. President Donald Trump acknowledged the warning, saying it allowed for preparations that prevented any injuries. He described the attack as “very weak,” claiming that Iran might now be open to peace.
Qatar, however, expressed outrage, calling the attack a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty. A Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson highlighted the country’s early warnings against escalating tensions due to Israeli actions.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei later stated that while Iran had not aimed to harm anyone, it would not tolerate violations of its sovereignty. “We will not submit to anyone’s violation,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Leading up to the attack, US intelligence reportedly identified a credible threat. Qatar also temporarily closed its airspace, a sign that something was expected. Despite official statements framing safety warnings as precautionary, the missile attack followed just hours later.
Attacks between Iran and Israel also persisted into Sunday and Monday, keeping tensions high in a region already on edge.