Iran Strikes U.S. Base in Qatar in Retaliation for Nuclear Site Bombings

Iran launched missile attacks on Monday targeting the U.S. military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, in response to Washington’s recent bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities, significantly heightening tensions across the Middle East.

Shortly after the strike, Bahrain—home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet—briefly shut down its airspace, mirroring steps taken by Qatar shortly before the missile barrage. Though the attack raised immediate alarm, Qatari officials confirmed that all missiles were successfully intercepted, with no casualties or damage reported. The country has since declared its airspace safe.

Iran said the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. on its nuclear sites over the weekend, suggesting the Islamic Republic may be aiming to de-escalate the conflict. Tehran also noted it specifically targeted Al Udeid because it is located away from densely populated areas.

The strike was announced on Iranian state television accompanied by martial music, with a bold caption labeling it “a mighty and successful response” to what Tehran called “America’s aggression.”

In a possible related development, the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq, which also houses U.S. troops, was hit by missiles. However, Iran has not claimed responsibility for that attack, which Iraqi officials believe may have been carried out by allied militias. It remains unclear if there were casualties or damage at the Iraqi base.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, its airspace, and international law.” Al Udeid Air Base houses key American military assets, including the Combined Air Operations Center and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing—the largest U.S. expeditionary wing in the world.

The missile strike came just a day after the United States launched a surprise assault on three Iranian nuclear facilities early Sunday. Hours before Iran’s retaliation, President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“We neither initiated the war nor seek it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”