Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after Iran launched missile strikes on US military bases in direct retaliation for airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump against Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
What happened?
On Saturday night (June 21), President Trump authorized a coordinated air assault targeting three of Iran’s most critical nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The mission was described by Trump as a “success,” claiming the facilities were “completely obliterated.”
In response, Iran vowed a “decisive response” — a warning that materialized on Monday (June 23) with a targeted missile attack on US military positions in the region.
Where did Iran strike?
Iran launched missiles at:
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Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar: The largest US military base in the Middle East, home to approximately 10,000 American troops.
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Ain al-Asad Air Base in Western Iraq: Another major installation housing US personnel.
These strikes mark one of the most significant direct attacks by Iran on US forces in the region in recent years.
What was the impact?
In Qatar:
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Qatari air defense systems successfully intercepted the incoming missiles.
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No casualties have been reported at Al Udeid.
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Earlier today, Qatar temporarily closed its airspace due to the heightened threat level.
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The US Embassy in Qatar issued a warning to American citizens, advising them to shelter in place “until further notice.”
In Iraq:
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The full extent of damage or casualties at Ain al-Asad has not yet been confirmed, but regional sources report heightened military alert levels.
How has the Trump administration responded?
The White House released a brief statement saying:
“The White House and the Department of Defense are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats.”
While no formal address has been made, sources suggest President Trump is currently in the White House Situation Room with senior military and intelligence officials. The administration has not confirmed any immediate plans for a counter-response but has reiterated that US forces remain on high alert.
It has been reported that President Trump remains in the White House situation room amid the conflict (Daniel Torok/The White House via Getty Images)
What has Iran said about the strikes?
Iranian Tasnim news agency stated that operation ‘Annunciation of Victory’ had been launched against US bases. Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces confirmed the Al-Udeid base in Qatar had been hit with a ‘devastating and powerful’ missile attack.
The announcement of missiles being launched was made on state television as martial music played. A caption on the screen called it ‘a mighty and successful response by the armed forces of Iran to America’s aggression’.
Just before the explosions, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on Twitter: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
The New York Times is reporting three Iranian officials said they had coordinated the attack with officials in Qatar in a bid to ‘minimise casualties’.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei (Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran via Getty Images)
How has Qatar responded to the attack?
Qatar was quick to condemn the attack on the US military base, dubbing the attack as ‘flagrant violation’ of sovereignty.
A Qatari statement reads: “We are assured that Qatari air defences thwarted the attack and successfully intercepted the Iranian missile.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence added: “Thanks to God, the vigilance of the armed forces, and the precautionary measures taken, the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries.”
