Roundup: Iran fires missiles at US base in Qatar, Iraq
On Monday, Iran launched a missile attack targeting the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, one of the largest American military installations in the Middle East.
A US Defense Department official confirmed the strike, stating the base was hit by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles but reported no casualties. The United States is closely monitoring the situation.
Iran acknowledged the missile attacks, claiming the number of missiles fired matched the number of US bombs dropped on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. Iranian authorities stated that the attack was a retaliatory measure while signaling a possible intent to de-escalate tensions.
Read more: LIVE UPDATES | Washington joins “Israel” in Iran strikes after attacks on nuclear sites
The missile strike caused Gulf countries to take precautionary measures: Qatar and Bahrain temporarily suspended flights in their airspace, and neighboring states such as Kuwait and Iraq closed or restricted their airspaces amid the escalating tensions.
Qatar strongly condemned the attack, affirming that its air defenses successfully intercepted the missiles, resulting in no injuries or damage. The Qatari Ministry of Defense praised the vigilance of its armed forces and emphasized that its airspace and territory remain secure. The country called for calm and reliance on official sources for updates.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the attack as a “devastating and powerful missile strike” on the US military presence in West Asia, emphasizing that it would not tolerate any aggression against its sovereignty and national security.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council stated the attack was conducted far from urban and residential areas in Qatar, stressing respect for Qatari safety and sovereignty.
The United States reportedly had prior knowledge of the attack, with the Trump administration receiving advance warnings, and “Israel” was also informed beforehand, according to media reports.
The attack drew swift condemnation from several regional countries:
- United Arab Emirates called the strike a “blatant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law, urging an immediate halt to military escalation and emphasizing diplomatic dialogue as the path to stability.
- Jordan condemned the attack as a “dangerous escalation” violating international law and reaffirmed full support for Qatar. Jordan urged a return to negotiations to avoid further conflict.
- Saudi Arabia denounced the missile strike as “unjustifiable and unacceptable,” expressing solidarity with Qatar and support for any measures taken to protect its sovereignty.
- Palestine strongly condemned Iran’s missile attack on Qatar, calling it a blatant violation of sovereignty and reaffirming full solidarity with Qatar.
- Lebanese President Michel Aoun condemned the attack on Qatar, calling it a violation of sovereignty that escalates regional tensions.
- French President Macron called on Monday for restraint and a return to negotiations after Iran’s missile strike on a US base in Qatar.
- Bahrain expressed full solidarity with Qatar after Iran’s missile attack, condemning it as a blatant violation of sovereignty and international law.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, following American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
