Iran-Israel Struggle: A flash lit up the skies over Doha late Monday. Flares arched overhead. Then got here the sound – deep, loud and unmistakable. Explosions rolled throughout the Qatari capital.
Iran says it launched the strike. The goal (Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar), in accordance with Tehran, is the US navy’s largest base within the Center East.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard confirmed the operation. They’ve named it ‘Operation Glad Tidings of Victory’. The launch, they stated, was in direct response to the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear services over the weekend. Iranian state TV made the announcement shortly after the missiles have been launched.
Within the aftermath, Qatar shut down its airspace quickly. An announcement from Doha cited safety issues and the necessity to shield residents and guests. The choice got here as Iran repeated its threats of retaliation in opposition to Washington.
Throughout the Gulf, nervous ripples unfold. In Bahrain, authorities issued a uncommon advisory. Residents and residents have been advised to keep away from important roads until completely vital. The nation’s inside ministry stated this was to permit “related authorities” to maneuver freely and reply swiftly, if wanted.
The White Home stated it’s watching intently. A senior official confirmed that each the administration and the Pentagon are monitoring threats to Al Udeid and different regional bases. In line with Reuters, US forces throughout the Gulf have raised their alert ranges.
Iraq, too, is bracing for affect. Quoting sources, Reuters reported that the air protection system on the Ain al-Asad base was activated amid fears of a strike. The bottom homes American troops and has been a goal earlier than.
Particulars are nonetheless rising. Iran’s semi-official information outlet Tasnim reported that missile strikes additionally focused U.S. positions in Iraq. The total scale of the assault is unclear.
‘It’s a Violation of Sovereignty’
Qatar has lashed out at Iran over the missile assault. Its overseas ministry known as it a “clear breach of Qatari sovereignty and airspace”, warning that such an act won’t go unanswered.
Majed al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s overseas ministry, issued a press release, saying that the strike from the IRGC was “a direct violation of worldwide norms and the UN constitution”. He added that Qatar reserves the best to reply, utilizing all channels accessible below worldwide legislation.
In line with al-Ansari, Qatari air protection programs have been activated in time. The missiles have been intercepted. The assault, he stated, was repelled earlier than it might do any harm on Qatari soil.
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— وزارة الدفاع – دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) June 23, 2025
Tehran, nonetheless, tried to tone issues down. Iran’s Supreme Nationwide Safety Council issued a press release hours later. It stated the strike on the Al Udeid base was aimed fastidiously, away from civilian zones. Iran insisted the motion was not supposed to hurt Qatar or its folks.
“This operation posed no menace to our brotherly neighbor. Our relationships with Qatar stay heat and rooted in historical past,” the Iranian council stated.
In a defiant message broadcast by Iran’s Tasnim information company, the IRGC warned that any future hostile motion would set off a robust and speedy response. It stated American navy installations throughout the area have develop into “uncovered targets”.
The IRGC harassed that Iran would reply to any violation of its sovereignty, territory or nationwide safety. “No act of aggression will go unanswered,” the assertion stated.
In line with the IRGC, the most recent strike was carried out in full coordination with Iran’s Supreme Nationwide Safety Council. The group described the operation as a turning level, signaling what it known as the top of “hit-and-run” ways in opposition to Iran.
The assertion additionally linked latest U.S. strikes to Israeli strategic pursuits. It accused Washington of appearing in assist of Tel Aviv’s navy objectives and pledged that resistance would proceed till, in its phrases, the “Zionist entity” is dismantled.
What we all know concerning the U.S. base in Qatar
Al Udeid is not any strange outpost. Inbuilt 1996, the 60-acre air base sits southwest of Doha. It holds almost 10,000 American troops. It additionally homes superior surveillance programs, drones and fighter plane. That is the place CENTCOM runs its operations for almost a dozen international locations throughout the area.
By putting this base, Iran has despatched a message. And the world is listening.
Doha’s skies weren’t the one ones glowing. Footage shared on-line confirmed flares climbing at the hours of darkness. Some locals thought it was a drill. Others knew higher.
This isn’t the primary time Al Udeid has confronted hazard. However a direct strike by Iran marks a pointy escalation. Till now, most tensions performed out in Iraq or Syria. This time, Iran has reached straight into the US coronary heart within the Gulf.
The UK has taken discover too. Overseas Secretary David Lammy advised Parliament they’ve moved belongings to the area. He stated Britain is prepared—to defend its folks and its companions.
Qatar has not issued additional particulars for the reason that shutdown of its airspace. America has additionally but to verify the size of injury or reply publicly to the strike.
The road between threats and motion has pale. And essentially the most fortified American base within the Center East now stands uncovered.