Iran has launched a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military installation in the Middle East, in response to recent US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.
The attack, codenamed “Operation Annunciation of Victory”, involved six ballistic missiles fired at the base on the night of 23 June. Al Udeid, which hosts more than 10,000 US personnel and serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command, is situated just southwest of Doha.
Qatari and US officials confirmed that the missiles were intercepted by air defence systems and that no casualties were recorded. Footage captured in Doha showed interceptors streaking across the sky, while satellite imagery suggested that several aircraft had been evacuated ahead of the strike.
According to Qatari officials, Iran gave prior diplomatic warning of the impending attack, allowing authorities to take precautionary measures, including suspending civilian air traffic and clearing the area. Despite this, Qatar condemned the missile strike as a violation of its sovereignty.
“The State of Qatar strongly denounces this reckless act, which undermines regional stability and violates international law,” the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the attack via social media, describing Iran’s response as “very weak,” and expressing appreciation for the advance notice:
“Thanks to Iran for the heads-up missiles all intercepted. Weak retaliation.”
Also Read: Iran Warns of Retaliation After US Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which claimed responsibility for the operation, warned that the US military presence in the region remains vulnerable.
“The US military bases in the Middle East are its Achilles’ heel. If aggression continues, they will face consequences far greater than this symbolic warning,” the IRGC said.
In Washington, the White House said President Trump had convened his national security team following the strike. A spokesperson added:
“We are monitoring the situation closely and remain committed to the safety of American personnel and regional partners.”
The incident prompted several Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait to temporarily shut their airspace. Airlines were forced to reroute or divert dozens of flights, causing significant disruption across the region.
Although Iran’s missile retaliation targeted only military infrastructure, concerns remain about further escalation. Tehran has not yet acted on its parliamentary resolution to close the Strait of Hormuz a crucial maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments but officials say the measure remains under consideration.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, speaking during a visit to Moscow, reiterated that Tehran would pursue a combination of military and diplomatic options:
“This is not a time for diplomacy not yet. Retaliation must be complete before talks can resume,” he said.
World powers have renewed calls for restraint and dialogue to prevent the conflict from engulfing the wider Middle East.
