Qatar has strongly condemned Iran’s missile strikes targeting the Al-Udeid Air Base, a major US military installation located southwest of Doha, calling the attack a “flagrant violation of the sovereignty” of the Gulf nation. The Qatari Ministry of Defence confirmed that the nation’s air defence systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles, averting casualties and preventing any material damage.
In a formal statement issued late Monday evening, the Ministry of Defence said:
“Thanks to God and the vigilance of the armed forces personnel and the precautionary measures taken, the incident resulted in no deaths or injuries. The Ministry reaffirms that the airspace and territory of the State of Qatar are safe and that the Qatari Armed Forces are always fully prepared to deal with any threat.”
The Ministry further urged citizens and residents to remain calm and follow only official sources for information, adding that the armed forces were maintaining a high alert status in light of the volatile regional situation.
Iranian Strike and Qatar’s Response
The missile attack marks one of the most significant escalations in the region in recent months. According to Axios, citing an Israeli official, Iran launched six missiles aimed directly at US troops stationed in Qatar as part of a retaliatory move against recent US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The Wall Street Journal had earlier reported that Iran was preparing a targeted response to American military activities in the region.
While Qatar maintains that all six missiles were intercepted without any impact on the ground, Iran’s state-affiliated Mehr News Agency claimed that at least three of the missiles struck the Al-Udeid Air Base. Explosions were reportedly heard in parts of Doha, though there were no injuries.
Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East and serves as a critical hub for American operations across the region, including counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence coordination. The base has hosted a major US presence since the early 1990s, following the Gulf War, and has played a key role in ensuring regional stability.
Advance Notice and De-Escalatory Intentions
According to a report by The New York Times, Iranian officials gave Qatar advance notice of the missile strike in what is being interpreted as an effort to minimise casualties and avoid wider escalation. Analysts say the strike was designed to send a message to the US without crossing a red line that could trigger full-blown retaliation.
Despite this, Qatari officials remain deeply concerned. “This is not just a symbolic move. Firing missiles into the territory of a sovereign nation is an unacceptable act of aggression, regardless of prior notice,” said a senior Qatari diplomat who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter.
International Reactions and US Monitoring
A White House official told reporters that the Trump administration is closely monitoring the situation from the Situation Room. Defense Secretary Dan Caine, alongside National Security Advisor Elise Browning and CENTCOM officials, is reportedly in continuous communication with counterparts in Doha and Tel Aviv.
“The safety of our personnel and partners in the Gulf remains our highest priority,” the official said, declining to comment on any immediate retaliatory plans.
Meanwhile, concerns persist over potential additional Iranian missile threats to other US bases in Iraq. The Pentagon has reportedly elevated its threat level across installations in the region.
Strategic Implications
The missile strike on Al-Udeid has raised fresh concerns over the vulnerability of US assets in the Gulf and the escalating tension between Tehran and Washington.
Qatar has not indicated whether it will summon Iranian diplomats or pursue formal complaints through international channels, but observers expect the Gulf nation to raise the issue at the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) emergency meeting.
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