Crystabel Ukwuegbu
Iran has launched missiles targeting a key United States military base in Qatar, escalating tensions in response to recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Loud explosions were reported in Doha, with residents witnessing missiles streaking across the night sky.
This development comes shortly after the U.S. joined Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran. On Sunday, American forces struck three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites, including the underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, using bunker-busting bombs.
With global anxiety mounting over a potential regional war, French President Emmanuel Macron urged for restraint, stating that “the spiral of chaos must end.”
Iran’s top security body maintained that the missile launch was carefully measured and did not endanger Qatar in any way.
Qatar, located approximately 190 kilometers south of Iran, is home to Al Udeid Air Base — the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. The Qatari government confirmed that its air defenses had successfully intercepted the incoming projectiles.
According to Iranian authorities, the number of missiles launched matched the number of bombs dropped by U.S. forces the previous day — a signal that Tehran’s response was designed to be proportionate. Iran described the attack as a justified retaliation for what it called “aggressive and unlawful” strikes on its nuclear infrastructure.
Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the missile attack and stated that the nation reserves the right to respond proportionately. Saudi Arabia also strongly denounced Iran’s actions and pledged to support Qatar in any countermeasures it takes.
Witnesses in Doha and nearby Lusail reported hearing multiple explosions and seeing missiles overhead late Monday. U.S. defense officials confirmed that both short- and medium-range ballistic missiles had been launched at Al Udeid, though there were no reports of casualties. Authorities had cleared the base ahead of time as a safety measure in anticipation of possible attacks.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed six missiles had struck the area. There were also unverified reports that Iran had targeted U.S. bases in Iraq, though officials in Baghdad denied any attacks had occurred there.
Earlier, Qatar temporarily closed its airspace due to rising tensions, and foreign embassies, including the U.S. mission, urged citizens to remain indoors. Bahrain and Kuwait also briefly suspended air travel in response to the missile activity.
Former President Donald Trump asserted that the strikes carried out on Sunday had completely destroyed Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, though U.S. Government sources noted that it was still premature to assess the overall impact of the strikes. officials warned that the true impact on Iran’s atomic program remains unclear.
Intensifying Strikes and Retaliation
As Iran launched its counterattack, explosions were reported in the northern part of Tehran, accompanied by the telltale yellow flashes of air defense systems in action.
Earlier in the day, Israel had carried out what it called its strongest offensive yet in Iran’s capital, including strikes on Evin Prison, known for holding political detainees, including operational hubs linked to the Basij paramilitary group and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces. Iran responded with missile fire toward Israeli territory.
Iranian and Israeli sources also confirmed that Israel had targeted the Fordo facility again, this time to disrupt access routes. Israel’s national electricity provider reported damage to infrastructure in the south, causing power outages, though specifics were not released.
At the same time, Iranian news outlets stated that Israeli airstrikes had disrupted power infrastructure in Tehran, leading to short-term electricity outages. According to Iran’s health authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes had claimed over 400 lives, while confirmed figures suggest that Iran’s retaliatory attacks caused 24 fatalities in Israel.
Global Reactions and Nuclear Concerns
China has urged both nations to show restraint and prevent the crisis from expanding into a wider regional war. The U.S. Secretary of State has called on China to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open, a vital global oil route.
While the Pentagon stated that the U.S. has no intention of pursuing regime change in Iran, Donald Trump posted a provocative message suggesting it might be time for one. His spokesperson later said he remained open to diplomatic talks but hinted that Iran’s people could bring about change if talks fail.
A top U.S. military official confirmed that the airstrikes caused severe damage to all three targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted it had yet to assess the full extent of damage, particularly at the underground Fordo site.
The IAEA strongly condemned the use of force against nuclear installations, stressing that such actions violate international norms and pose serious global risks. While Iran continues to deny pursuing nuclear weapons, it remains the only non-nuclear-armed country enriching uranium to 60% — just short of weapons-grade.
