Iran Launches Missile Attack on US Base in Qatar; Doha Reports Interception and No Casualties
Iranian military officials announced a missile strike against the al-Udeid US airbase in Qatar on Monday, coinciding with reported explosions in the Qatari capital. This action followed Tehran’s threats of retaliation for recent US airstrikes targeting its nuclear facilities.
The Iranian military described the assault as “devastating and powerful”; however, US officials confirmed that there were no casualties among American personnel at the base, which is the largest US military installation in the Middle East.
Prior to this attack, Iran had received warnings from Washington against any retaliatory actions, cautioning that such moves could provoke significant military responses from the US. According to a senior regional source who spoke to Reuters, Iran had communicated with both US and Qatari authorities through two diplomatic channels hours before launching its missiles.
Qatar’s defense systems reportedly intercepted missiles aimed at al-Udeid airbase, affirming their capability to protect this vital facility.
Following extensive bombings by US forces that targeted Iranian underground nuclear sites over the weekend—an operation supported by Israel—Iran had issued threats of retaliation. President Donald Trump suggested that there was potential for regime change within Iran.
The missile launch occurred shortly after a Western diplomat informed Reuters of credible threats directed at a US military facility in Qatar resulting from unprecedented American strikes on Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts.
A source familiar with developments disclosed that Qatar had temporarily closed its airspace after receiving advance notice from Iran regarding potential attacks. Similarly, Bahrain, located north of Qatar, also restricted its airspace following the missile strike against al-Udeid.
In response to concerns about possible assaults, military sources indicated that the Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq activated its defensive measures. Additionally, Syria’s main US military base heightened its alert status due to fears of impending attacks from Iran or affiliated militia groups.
Earlier reports indicated that Qatar had temporarily closed its airspace for public safety reasons. This followed guidance from the US embassy advising American citizens in Qatar to shelter indoors as a precautionary measure.
Two officials noted that assessments indicated imminent threats from Iran targeting American forces in the region; nevertheless, efforts continued toward achieving a diplomatic resolution aimed at preventing Iranian reprisals.
On Monday morning, Israel conducted bombings targeting Evin Prison in Tehran—a clear signal of its intent to strike not only military installations but also crucial components of Iran’s governing structure.
Despite Iranian threats concerning oil shipments from the Gulf region leading traders to speculate about potential disruptions, oil prices fell by 4 percent amid fluctuating market conditions—indicating skepticism regarding Iran’s willingness to execute any disruptive actions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow as Tehran sought support from one of its few remaining allies amidst rising tensions.
Israel clarified that their operations against Evin prison and other sites were aimed broadly at undermining the Iranian ruling regime’s stability and authority.
“Viva la libertad!” declared Foreign Minister Gideon Saar via X platform while sharing footage depicting an explosion at Evin prison’s entrance.
State broadcaster IRIB released visuals showing rescue crews sifting through debris at Evin prison while carrying an injured individual on a stretcher. The Mizan news agency reported urgent measures being implemented for inmate health and safety within the facility.
Evin Prison has historically served as Iran’s principal detention center for political prisoners and security detainees; it also houses several high-profile foreign inmates.
Israel’s armed forces confirmed they targeted command centers belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responsible for domestic security within Tehran’s vicinity during these operations.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that their military was “currently striking regime targets and governmental repression bodies in central Tehran with unprecedented force.”
Following ten days of bombardments causing significant population displacement within Tehran—which is home to around 10 million residents—the Tasnim news agency reported strikes affecting an electricity feeder station near Evin neighborhood; power company Tavanir indicated sporadic electricity outages across parts of Tehran.
Since Trump escalated tensions by deploying massive bunker-buster bombs against Iranian nuclear facilities over Sunday morning, Iranian officials have consistently threatened retaliation.
“Mr. Trump may initiate this conflict,” stated Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, “but we will be decisive in concluding it.”
While asserting that their objective remains focused solely on dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities rather than igniting broader warfare, Trump’s administration faced increasing scrutiny following his social media remarks suggesting potential overthrow of hardline clerical leaders who have been long-standing adversaries of Washington since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
