4 hours ago
Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 23:38 IST
Al Udeid in Qatar and Ain al-Asad in Iraq were named by Iran as targets of its missile strikes, launched in retaliation for US attacks on nuclear sites.
Explosions in Doha after Iran targets Al Udeid base in retaliation for US strikes. Ain al-Asad in Iraq also reportedly attacked. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)
Iran on Monday said it had launched a “devastating and powerful" missile attack on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, naming Al Udeid Air Base near Doha and Ain al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq as targets. Explosions were heard across the Qatari capital after the strike, which Tehran framed as retaliation for recent American airstrikes on its underground nuclear facilities.
Qatar’s defence ministry confirmed that its air defence systems had intercepted missiles aimed at Al Udeid, the largest US base in the region. Authorities reported no casualties and said the situation was under control. The strike came days after US bombers dropped bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites, and after US President Donald Trump warned of regime change in Tehran.
In a statement issued Monday night, the United States confirmed that Al Udeid had been attacked with short- and medium-range ballistic missiles fired from Iran. “At this time there are no reports of US casualties. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide more information as it becomes available," the US said.
Iranian state media described the missile operation as a direct and “powerful" response. Qatar condemned the attack and said it reserved the right to respond. In Iraq, the US-operated Ain al-Asad base reportedly activated its air defences amid fears of wider escalation.
A senior White House official said the Pentagon and the White House were monitoring threats to US assets in the Gulf. Qatar also briefly closed its airspace as a precaution.
Why Al Udeid Matters to the US
The United States Army has maintained a strategic presence in Qatar since the early 1990s, following the Gulf War. As part of broader US efforts to maintain stability and counter regional threats, particularly from Iran and Iraq, Qatar became a key partner in hosting American forces.
The cornerstone of this military relationship is the Al Udeid Air Base, established in 1996 and significantly expanded post-9/11. It serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military operations across West Asia, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. At its height, Al Udeid housed over 10,000 US personnel and played a vital role in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and against ISIS.
Qatar has invested heavily in the base’s infrastructure, including a $1 billion expansion to enhance facilities and cement its strategic alliance with Washington.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...Read More
Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev...
Read More
News world Which US Bases In Qatar Did Iran Target With Missiles? Explosions Heard Over Doha
