Iran’s military announced a “devastating and powerful” missile attack on the Al Udeid US airbase in Qatar on Monday. Explosions were heard across the Qatari capital, Doha, following Tehran’s threat to retaliate against US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The missile attack came after the US dropped heavy bombs on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities over the weekend, joining Israel in military action against Tehran. US President Donald Trump also suggested the possibility of Iran’s government being toppled.
Qatar’s defense minister said their air defenses intercepted the missiles aimed at Al Udeid, the largest US military base in the Middle East. There were no reported casualties, and Qatar condemned the attack, reserving the right to respond.
The US Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq also activated its air defense system amid fears of further Iranian attacks.
The White House and Pentagon are closely watching the situation. Qatar temporarily closed its airspace to protect residents and visitors. The US embassy in Qatar advised Americans to shelter in place as a precaution.
While Iran threatened to disrupt Gulf oil shipments, oil prices remained mostly steady, showing that traders doubt Iran will block global oil supplies.
In other developments, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, seeking support from a key ally.
