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Iran launched missile attacks on the region's largest United States military base, situated in Qatar on Monday, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict.
The official Iranian news agency IRNA said the operation, dubbed “Harbinger of Conquest,” targeted American bases in Qatar and Iraq in response to the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN, citing Israeli defense officials, reported that approximately 10 Iranian missiles were fired at U.S. positions in Qatar.
IRNA also reported that the strikes extended to U.S. military facilities in four different Gulf countries, although specific locations beyond Qatar and Iraq were not immediately confirmed.
Multiple explosions were heard over the Qatari capital, Doha, on Monday evening while authorities suspended air traffic as part of emergency precautions. AFP correspondents reported interceptor activity lighting up the night sky, suggesting air defense systems were active.
Qatar hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East—Al Udeid Air Base—which also serves as the regional headquarters for the Pentagon’s Central Command.
Qatar’s Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted missiles targeting the base, while the Foreign Ministry confirmed that Al Udeid had been evacuated in advance as a precautionary measure.
"I can confirm that Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran today. At this time, there are no reports of US casualties," a U.S. defense official said.
In a statement aired on Iranian state television, the Iranian Armed Forces spokesperson said: “The attack is a clear message to the White House and its allies. Iran, relying on Allah Almighty and the loyal people of Iran, will not leave any attack on its territorial integrity, sovereignty and national security unanswered under any circumstances.”
Iran described the strike as retaliation for U.S. airstrikes over the weekend on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
A senior White House official said Monday that the administration is “aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.”
The Pentagon has not issued an official statement on the Iranian strikes.
In Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based, the Interior Ministry activated warning sirens and urged residents to take shelter immediately. “Seek refuge in the nearest building or concealed location until the danger passes,” the ministry said..
“The competent authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country’s airspace, as part of a set of precautionary measures based on developments in the region,” Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said. It added that authorities are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with regional and international partners.
Earlier Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens. British and Canadian embassies issued similar alerts.
The attack comes one day after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, marking the first direct American military action against Iran in the conflict that began June 13 with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory.
Iranian authorities say at least 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 injured in Israeli attacks. Israel says 25 of its citizens have been killed and hundreds injured by retaliatory Iranian missile strikes.
Satellite imagery from June 19 analyzed by AFP and Planet Labs showed only three U.S. military aircraft remaining at Al Udeid, down from nearly 40 earlier in the month, indicating a drawdown in anticipation of regional hostilities.
Details to follow...
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