Iran initiated a series of missile strikes against U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday evening, in what state media described as a “powerful” and “mighty and successful” response to recent American aerial assaults on key Iranian nuclear facilities. The operation, dubbed “Blessing of Victory” by Iran’s official press agency IRNA, marks a significant escalation in the already heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Eyewitnesses and AFP journalists in Doha, the capital of Qatar, reported hearing multiple explosions, with visuals showing interceptors lighting up the night sky as they reportedly engaged incoming projectiles. Qatar’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack on Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, stating that Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted several missiles. The Ministry also affirmed that the incident resulted in no casualties or injuries and that Qatar reserves the right to respond.
Simultaneously, Iranian missiles also targeted the Ain al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq, a critical site housing U.S. troops. While details on the impact in Iraq were immediately available, Iraqi security officials acknowledged the strikes. The U.S. Department of Defense and the White House are reportedly closely monitoring the situation.
These retaliatory strikes by Iran come swiftly after a series of U.S. bombardments on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. On June 22, the United States, in an operation codenamed “Midnight Hammer,” deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles to strike three Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. U.S. officials claimed “extremely severe damage and destruction” to these sites, with some reports suggesting Natanz was destroyed and Fordow and Isfahan suffered major damage. These U.S. strikes followed more than a week of Israeli attacks on Iranian targets, further intensifying the regional conflict.
Iran had previously warned of “everlasting consequences” and threatened retaliation against Washington D.C. after the U.S. strikes. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, shortly before the missile launches, posted on social platform X: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
The Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is a strategic hub for U.S. Central Command, housing approximately 8,000-10,000 personnel and serving as a forward Combined Air Operations Center for various operations in the region. There are also approximately 2,500 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq as part of the international coalition against the Islamic State group. Qatar, while a close U.S. ally, also maintains diplomatic relations with Iran. Reports from the New York Times suggest that Iran may have given advance notice to Qatar regarding the impending attacks, possibly to minimize casualties and allow for a de-escalation path.
The Indian Embassy in Qatar has urged its citizens to remain cautious and indoors, advising them to follow local news and guidance from Qatari authorities. The international community is closely watching the unfolding situation, with fears of a wider regional conflict growing amidst the escalating military actions.
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