By M10News Staff | © M10News 2025 | Source: Sky News, Reuters, Official Statements
Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after Iran launched a missile attack on a US military base in Qatar, marking the latest in a series of retaliatory actions following American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
Iranian state media described the missile strike as a “mighty and successful response” to what it called “American aggression,” targeting the Al Udeid airbase, which hosts US and coalition forces near Doha.
The Iranian military announced the attack on national television, as footage aired accompanied by martial music and patriotic slogans. The strikes come after US forces deployed “bunker buster” bombs against three nuclear sites in Iran—identified as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—on Sunday.
Qatar’s defence ministry confirmed that Iranian missiles were launched toward its territory but stated that no casualties occurred. “Our air defences successfully intercepted the threats, ensuring the safety of civilians and infrastructure,” officials said.
Witnesses in Doha reported seeing missiles streaking across the sky, followed by the sound of interceptors engaging incoming threats.
The US military acknowledged the incident, with a spokesperson telling Reuters that the strike on Al Udeid was the only attack detected, despite earlier unverified reports suggesting additional targets in Iraq.
US President Donald Trump, addressing the situation from the White House Situation Room, downplayed Iran’s actions. In a statement on social media platform Truth Social, he described the missile strike as “a very weak response” that US defences “very effectively countered.”
“Thankfully, early warnings allowed for zero casualties,” Trump said, adding that he hoped Iran had “gotten it out of their system” and encouraged all sides to pursue “peace and stability in the region.”
In Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded with defiance. “We will not surrender to violations of our sovereignty. This is the logic of the Iranian nation,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The situation remains volatile, with regional governments reacting swiftly. Qatar temporarily closed its airspace before the attack, citing security concerns. Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq also shut their airspace in the aftermath, while Oman Air and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways announced flight diversions across affected areas.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, also posting on X, stated: “We did not start this war, nor do we seek it. But any invasion of Iran will be met with an answer.”
The latest developments follow heightened tensions after the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear programme, which Washington described as necessary to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability—a claim Iran denies.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are ongoing, though both sides appear entrenched. The global community has expressed concern over potential further military escalation, with air travel across the region already disrupted.
