Iran launches missile attacks on US bases in Qatar and Iraq

Iran launched coordinated missile strikes Monday on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, marking a significant escalation following American airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend. The attack was described by Tehran as a “mighty and successful response” to what it called “America’s aggression.”

The primary target in Qatar was the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. According to Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the missiles were successfully intercepted and no casualties were reported. The ministry condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty, airspace, and international law, but confirmed that the country's airspace is now secure.

Iranian state television announced the assault with martial music playing in the background and declared it a direct and proportional response. Officials in Tehran stated that the number of missiles launched matched the number of bombs dropped on Iran’s nuclear sites, signaling a calculated and potentially de-escalatory move. Iran emphasized that it chose to strike a base located outside of densely populated areas to avoid civilian casualties.

In Iraq, the Ain al-Assad airbase, which hosts US troops in the western part of the country, was also hit. An Iraqi security official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the strike but said it remained unclear whether there were any casualties or structural damage.

The missile barrage comes amid surging tensions across the region, as governments and observers brace for potential retaliatory moves. US President Donald Trump has remained in the Situation Room for continuous briefings, while US embassies across the Gulf region have urged citizens to shelter in place.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reiterated in a statement that the Islamic Republic “will never leave aggression against its sovereignty or security unanswered,” warning of further action if provoked again.