DOHA/TEHRAN — Iran launched missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday, escalating tensions in the Middle East following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. The strikes targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the region, and Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, where U.S. troops are stationed.
Iran’s state-run media, including Press TV and Tasnim, described the operation, codenamed “Busharat-e-Fatah” or “Blessing of Victory,” as a “mighty and successful response” to U.S. aggression. The attacks came hours after Qatar closed its airspace amid credible threats of Iranian retaliation, with explosions heard across the Qatari capital, Doha, and projectiles visible in the night sky.
According to reports, Iran fired at least six missiles at Al Udeid Air Base, though some sources suggest up to 10 were launched. Qatar’s air defenses intercepted the missiles, and no casualties were reported. Qatari authorities condemned the attack as a “brazen aggression” and a violation of sovereignty but confirmed the base had been evacuated prior to the strikes. Iranian officials reportedly notified Qatar in advance, a move described as an attempt to minimize casualties while symbolically responding to U.S. actions.
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In Iraq, missiles targeted Ain al-Asad Air Base, prompting U.S. personnel to shelter in bunkers. Details on the number of missiles and potential damage remain unclear, with no confirmed casualties reported. The U.S. Embassy in Doha, along with other Western embassies, issued shelter-in-place advisories, while Bahrain also temporarily closed its airspace.
The Iranian strikes follow U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—on Saturday, which involved seven U.S. stealth bombers dropping 14 massive 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. President Donald Trump described the operation, dubbed “Midnight Hammer,” as having “obliterated” key Iranian nuclear facilities, though damage assessments remain incomplete. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated the missile barrage matched the number of U.S. bombs, signaling a measured response possibly aimed at de-escalation.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, while reserving the right to respond under international law. The White House and U.S. Department of Defense said they are closely monitoring the situation, with no reports of U.S. injuries as of late Monday.
The attacks mark a dangerous escalation in the volatile Middle East, where Iran, Israel, and the U.S. are increasingly entangled in a cycle of retaliatory strikes. Israel, which has been conducting its own operations against Iran, expanded its targets on Monday to include Iranian military and political sites. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza further complicates the regional dynamics.
As the situation develops, global leaders are urging restraint to prevent a broader conflict. The Interview Times will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.