Iran launched missile strikes on United States military installations in Qatar and Iraq on Monday evening.
The bold move has been described by Iranian state media as a powerful response to the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster, the military operation codenamed Blessing of Victory targeted key American positions.
Explosions were reportedly heard in Doha, Qatar’s capital, where the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US base in the Middle East, is located.
Iran’s National Security Council issued a statement confirming the attack on Al Udeid.
The body said it was a measured reaction to what it called a “US aggressive and insolent action” against its nuclear infrastructure.
“In response to the US aggressive and insolent action against Iran’s nuclear sites and facilities, a few hours ago, the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran struck the US air base in Al-Udeid, Qatar,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the council emphasized that the number of Iranian missiles used was equal to the number of US bombs deployed in the earlier strike.
“This action does not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar,” it added.
Meanwhile, Qatar confirmed that its defense systems successfully intercepted the missile attack targeting Al Udeid.
The Ministry of Defense reassured citizens that the situation was under control and that no deaths or injuries had been recorded.
“The Ministry of Defense announced that Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base,” the statement noted.
The Qatari government, however, expressed its dissatisfaction with the incident and declared its right to respond.
“We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression,” said foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari.
He added that the US base had already been evacuated before the missiles landed, minimizing the impact.
Moreover, with the Gulf already on edge, Qatar’s involvement even if unintended raises the stakes further.
Make these people dry calm down now