Iran Strikes U.S. Bases in Qatar and Iraq Amid Rising Global Tensions

 

Iran launched coordinated missile strikes on U.S. military bases in both Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. The operation, dubbed Annunciation of Victory by Iranian state media, targeted:

• Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. base in the Middle East. Qatar confirmed the attack but reported that its air defenses successfully intercepted the missiles. No casualties were reported, and the Qatari government condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty.

• Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, where at least one missile was launched. U.S. and Iraqi sources confirmed that air defense systems were activated, though no injuries have been reported so far.

The U.S. has placed its regional forces on high alert. President Trump is meeting with his national security team, and the White House has warned that any further retaliation will be met with overwhelming force.

Both Russia and China have strongly condemned the U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities that preceded today’s Iranian retaliation:

• Russia’s President Vladimir Putin called the U.S. strikes “unprovoked” and met with Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow, signaling strategic alignment but stopping short of offering direct military support.

• China’s Foreign Ministry labeled the U.S. actions a “serious violation” of international law and warned of “spillover” effects on global trade, especially through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil route.

While neither country has entered the conflict militarily, both are positioning themselves diplomatically and economically, with China particularly concerned about energy security and Russia about regional influence

Here are key sources reporting on today’s Iranian missile strikes on U.S. bases in Qatar and Iraq:

1. – Confirmed Iran’s launch of 10 missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, citing Iranian state media and U.S. officials.

2. – Reported Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for a “devastating” strike on Al Udeid, with additional missiles launched toward Iraq.

3. – Covered Qatar’s interception of the missiles and its condemnation of the attack as a violation of sovereignty.

4. – Provided a detailed timeline, including reactions from Russia and China, and statements from President Trump and Iranian officials.

5. – Highlighted the broader regional implications and noted this as Iran’s largest direct attack on U.S. targets since 2020.

6. – Confirmed missile launches toward both Qatar and Iraq, citing Israeli and U.S. sources.

7. – Reported explosions over Doha and noted that Iran coordinated with Qatari officials in advance to minimize casualties.