Iran launched a missile strike targeting the U.S. military base at Al-Udeid in Qatar, marking a significant escalation in the region. This operation, named “Basharat al-Fath” or “Announcement of Victory,” was in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. According to Iranian state television, the missiles struck the base, while some were intercepted by U.S. Patriot defense systems, reports Euronews.
The attack comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the U.S., with both sides involved in a series of military exchanges. The Iranian offensive also follows Israeli airstrikes on Tehran’s key security sites, including police headquarters and the notorious Evin prison. The situation has caused widespread concern, particularly over the stability of the Gulf region.
Al-Udeid under attack
The Al-Udeid base, which serves as a major U.S. military hub in the Middle East, was hit by three missiles, while three others were reportedly shot down by the Patriot missile defense system. Iranian officials coordinated the attack with Qatar, according to sources close to the matter, in an effort to minimize casualties.
Despite this, the Qataris have condemned the attack, calling it an “aggressive Iranian act,” with the country’s foreign minister reserving the right to retaliate. Qatar has long maintained strong ties with Tehran, a relationship that adds complexity to the unfolding crisis.
A disrupted airspace and civilian flight diversions
In response to the attack, Qatar closed its airspace for safety. The closure, which affected all flights over its airspace, led to diversions of civilian aircraft. Some flights, particularly those approaching Doha, were rerouted to other regional airports, including Bahrain.
The proximity of the Al-Udeid base to the capital city’s airport, just 10 kilometers away, heightened the risks of further escalation. According to flight tracking service Flightradar24, a major aircraft, an A380, had to turn back shortly before the missile strikes.
The broader conflict: Iran, Israel, and the U.S.
The missile strike on Al-Udeid is the latest development in a series of confrontations between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. Earlier on the same day, Israeli forces launched an unprecedented attack on Iran’s “repressive apparatus,” targeting key sites in Tehran, including the state broadcaster and the Evin prison. Meanwhile, the U.S. had carried out airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Iranian site at Fordo, which is heavily fortified, is expected to sustain significant damage from the U.S. and Israeli actions. The situation in the region remains highly volatile, with each new attack further escalating tensions between the nations involved.
