Iran strikes largest US base in Qatar: What we know

Iran's strike on the military base in Qatar was a response to the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Senior officials in the US and Israel had previously warned about the possibility of an attack on the base in Qatar.

At the same time, Israel intensified its bombardment of targets in Tehran. On Monday, the Israeli military reported strikes on the headquarters of Iranian paramilitary groups, a notorious prison, and routes leading to the Fordow nuclear facility — the same one already damaged by the US military.

Despite global leaders' calls for de-escalation, the conflict continues to escalate.

Explosions in Qatar

On Monday evening, a series of powerful explosions rocked Doha, the capital of Qatar. Witnesses reported bright flashes in the sky, likely the result of air defense systems in action. Some objects fell to the ground, causing panic among residents.

Iran officially announced that it had launched a destructive and powerful missile strike on the US Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. Iranian military officials called the attack a direct response to the strikes on their nuclear facilities.

However, according to three Iranian officials, Tehran had warned the Qatari side about the attack in advance. They described it as a symbolic strike intended to allow all sides to avoid large-scale escalation - a tactic Iran also used in 2020 following the assassination of General Soleimani.

A representative of Iran's Armed Forces stated that the attack on the US base in Qatar was carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to him, it was a clear message to Iran's adversaries:

"We warn our enemies that the era of hit and run is over," he declared.

A US Department of Defense spokesperson stated that the base in Qatar was attacked by short- and medium-range ballistic missiles launched from Iran.

According to the spokesperson, there are currently no reports of American casualties.

US reaction

A senior White House official said Washington was aware of the potential attack and was monitoring the situation.

"The White House and the Department of Defense are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid base in Qatar," the official noted on condition of anonymity.

He added that the US President is not interested in further military escalation in the region.

The White House noted that a similar reaction from Tehran had already been seen after the killing of General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Preliminary assessments suggest that the Iranian missiles launched on Monday did not reach their targets. Qatar's Ministry of Defense also stated that its air defense systems intercepted the attack on the Al Udeid US base.

Despite the desire to avoid conflict, President Trump is prepared to increase the US military presence in the region if the situation demands it. On Monday, he is expected to hold a meeting with national security officials, during which new decisions may be made regarding the US strategy in the Middle East.

Qatar threatens retaliation against Iran

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari stated that Doha reserves the right to respond to Iran.

"We affirm that Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law," he declared.

He emphasized that the attack was a blatant violation of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the UN Charter. The official stressed that such actions are unacceptable and pose a threat to the security of both the country and the entire region.

Airspace closure

In response to Iran's attack, Qatar has closed its airspace. The United Arab Emirates also joined in the shutdown.

According to flight-tracking service Flightradar24, dozens of aircraft were forced to reroute or turn back. Both Qatar and the UAE are key global aviation hubs.

Bahrain also temporarily closed its airspace. The country's Ministry of Interior urged residents to avoid major highways until further notice.

Iraq has likewise decided to close its airspace.

What is known about the base

Al Udeid Airbase, located about 32 kilometers southwest of Qatar's capital Doha, is the largest US base in the Middle East. The base is owned by Qatar but serves as a forward command post for the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees the entire region.

The base can accommodate over 10,000 military personnel and civilian staff. Al Udeid plays a critical role in US military operations across the region, including coordinating efforts in the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities

On June 22, the United States carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites located in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation used highly powerful bunker-busting bombs that are exclusively in the US military arsenal.

These specialized munitions were especially necessary to target the Fordow nuclear facility, located deep under the rock, where conventional weapons would be ineffective.

On the same day, Sunday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the strikes had completely destroyed Iran's nuclear program.

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei warned that Washington will bear responsibility for these actions.

Sources: The New York Times, The Washington Post, social media platform X, and CNN.