Iran on Monday night claimed it had carried out strikes against American military personnel stationed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to reports on state-run Iranian television. The announcement was made alongside patriotic music, with a televised caption describing the attack as “a mighty and successful response by the armed forces of Iran to America’s aggression.” Missiles were also launched at a base housing US troops in Iraq, a security official said, as per news agency AP.
“The operation of Iranian missiles against American bases located in Qatar and in Iraq has begun and is called ‘Blessing of Victory’,” official Iranian press agency IRNA stated.
Qatar termed the Iranian attack on the US base a ‘flagrant violation’ of sovereignty. It also informed that Qatar missiles targeting US base were ‘successfully intercepted’.
Axios, citing an Israeli official, reported that Iran had launched six missiles toward the US bases in Qatar. Axios had earlier reported that Iran was preparing to fire missiles at the bases, Reuters reported.
Qatar Slams Iran’s Strike, Warns of Regional Consequences
Reacting to the attack, Qatar Prime Minister’s Advisor and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari issued a strong statement condemning the Iranian assault on Al Udeid Air Base.
“The State of Qatar strongly condemns the attack that targeted Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter,” Al Ansari said.
“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 added, confirming that Qatar’s air defences had intercepted the missiles.
The State of Qatar strongly condemns the attack that targeted Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter. We affirm that…
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) June 23, 2025
Al Ansari warned that continued escalation would jeopardise regional stability: “The continuation of such escalatory military actions will undermine security and stability in the region, dragging it into situations that could have catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.”
Calling for a return to dialogue, he said, “We call for the immediate cessation of all military actions and for a serious return to the negotiating table and dialogue.” He also reiterated that Qatar had consistently cautioned against the dangers of Israeli escalation and emphasised diplomacy: “We reaffirm that dialogue is the only way to overcome the current crises and ensure the security of the region and the peace of its people.”
He further stated that the base had already been evacuated as part of precautionary protocols due to heightened tensions, ensuring no casualties: “All necessary steps were taken to ensure the safety of personnel at the base, including Qatari Armed Forces members, friendly forces, and others. We confirm that no injuries or human casualties resulted from the attack.”
Explosions Rock Doha, Airspace Shut
Shortly before the announcement, Qatar took the extraordinary step of closing its airspace as a precautionary measure amid growing tensions in the region.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, via a statement published on the state-operated Qatar News Agency, said, “This is part of a series of precautionary measures taken in response to recent developments in the region.” The ministry added that Qatari authorities were “closely and continuously monitoring the situation, assessing developments in coordination with regional and international partners,” and would “provide the public with updated information in a timely manner through official channels.”
A Reuters eyewitness in the capital Doha reported hearing multiple explosions, following threats issued by Tehran in retaliation for US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Purported visuals of the missile strike in Doha surfaced on social media.
Powerful missiles were fired at the United States’ Al Udeid airbase in Qatar as part of Operation Harbinger of Conquest on Monday evening. pic.twitter.com/LNXsCNWYjh
— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) June 23, 2025
US and UK Embassies Issue Warnings
The US Embassy in Qatar released a warning on its website earlier in the day, advising American citizens in the country to “shelter in place until further notice.” The message offered no further explanation. Attempts by the Associated Press to obtain comments from the embassy went unanswered. Hours later, the British Embassy issued a similar advisory, also without any detailed reasoning.
A senior official from the Biden administration confirmed to the Associated Press that both the White House and Pentagon were aware of the threats to Al Udeid Air Base and were monitoring the situation closely. The official requested anonymity, citing the inability to speak publicly on the matter.
Indian Embassy Advises Caution
In light of the unfolding situation, the Indian Embassy in Qatar issued an advisory urging the Indian diaspora to “remain cautious and stay indoors.” The embassy added, “Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions and guidance provided by Qatari authorities. The Embassy will also keep updating through our social media channels.”
Qatar’s Regional Role
Qatar, located directly across the Persian Gulf from Iran, hosts Al Udeid Air Base—the US military’s Central Command’s forward headquarters. The Gulf nation maintains diplomatic ties with Iran and jointly shares a massive offshore natural gas field with the country. Despite historical threats from Tehran targeting the American base, this is the first major escalation reported after recent US military strikes.
Qatar, which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is home to the Al Jazeera media network, has in recent years worked to rebuild regional diplomatic ties after a lengthy blockade during former US President Donald Trump’s first term.
