- Iran launched missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes
- Qatar's air defences intercepted the attack; no casualties reported
- Trump dismissed the Iranian strike as “very weak” and called for peace
Tehran fired missiles at a US air base in Qatar on Monday in retaliation for American strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites. Qatar confirmed its air defences successfully intercepted the attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump downplayed the strike, calling it a “very weak” response and urging a move toward peace. A US defense official said there were no casualties, noting Iran had provided advance warning, allowing the base to be evacuated.
Iran’s National Security Council said the strike was proportional, using the same number of missiles as bombs dropped by the US. State media reported that six missiles had hit the base. Crowds gathered in Tehran to celebrate the response, with chants of “Death to America” aired on state television.
The attack followed US strikes a day earlier on three major Iranian nuclear sites, including the underground Fordo enrichment facility. These strikes came after over a week of Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets.
Trump thanked Tehran for the advance notice and claimed the US had “very effectively countered” the attack. He added that Iran may have now “gotten it all out of their system” and called for peace across the region, saying he would encourage Israel to do the same.
The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, reported the missile strike was deliberately restrained to offer “an exit ramp” for all sides—similar to Iran’s 2020 response to the US assassination of General Qassem Soleimani.
Qatar, located just 190 kilometers south of Iran, emphasized its airspace had been temporarily closed due to regional tensions. While assuring the public that the situation was stable, Qatar’s foreign ministry warned that it reserved the right to respond to what it called a “blatant aggression.”
Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian strike and offered support to Qatar in any retaliatory measures.
Explosions were heard in central Doha and Lusail Monday evening, and projectiles were seen in the night sky, AFP reporters confirmed.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported renewed Israeli strikes on targets in Tehran, including Evin Prison and Revolutionary Guard command centers. Israel confirmed hitting multiple sites in the capital, saying the attacks aimed to block access to strategic facilities like Fordo.
The Iranian Health Ministry reported more than 400 fatalities from Israeli strikes, while Iranian attacks on Israel have killed 24 people.
China urged both Iran and Israel to de-escalate, warning of broader regional and economic consequences.
In global markets, oil prices dropped sharply—over 6%—as traders viewed the Iranian strike as restrained. Brent crude fell to $72.07 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate dipped to $69.96.
Analyst John Kilduff described Iran’s move as a “face-saving measure,” adding that it could pave the way for diplomacy.
Despite earlier Pentagon statements that the US was not seeking regime change in Iran, Trump posted on Truth Social questioning whether regime change might be necessary if Iran’s government “is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN.”
