Iran launches missile strikes on US bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Explosions shake Doha, and global tensions reach boiling point.
Tensions in the Middle East have reached a dangerous new height as Iran officially confirmed it has launched missile strikes targeting US military bases in both Qatar and Iraq. The retaliatory attack follows US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict.
On Monday night, loud explosions were heard over Doha, Qatar’s capital, with journalists from AFP and Reuters confirming the incident. The Al Udeid air base—home to US military operations in the region—was reportedly hit by six Iranian missiles, according to sources cited by Axios, quoting Israeli intelligence officials.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released a statement via Iran’s state-run Tasnim news agency, confirming the operation and referring to it as a direct response to the “clear military aggression of the criminal regime of the United States of America.” The strike was part of an offensive named “Blessing of Victory,” aimed at punishing the US for its recent targeting of nuclear infrastructure within Iran.
In a broader retaliation strategy, Iran also confirmed missile launches against the Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, another key US military facility. Iraqi media outlets reported that the base was placed under maximum alert in anticipation of Iranian strikes.
Iran had previously warned that its military would decide the “timing, nature, and scale” of its response to US aggression. The recent moves underline that the Islamic Republic is prepared to escalate, despite calls from the international community for restraint. Meanwhile, Qatar temporarily closed its airspace earlier in the day, citing the need to safeguard civilians amidst fears of Iranian retaliation.
Further intensifying the rhetoric, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out strikes against multiple Iranian targets, including the infamous Evin Prison in Tehran. These strikes are believed to have further provoked Iran’s retaliatory action.
US President Donald Trump, speaking on the developments, hinted at a potential regime change in Iran, reviving the controversial slogan “Make Iran Great Again.” His remarks added to the speculation that the United States is shifting from a strategy of containment to one of open confrontation with Tehran.
As the conflict unfolds, global oil markets, diplomatic alliances, and regional security are all on high alert. The latest escalation between the United States and Iran could mark a critical turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics—with unpredictable and far-reaching consequences.
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