DOHA, Qatar – Tensions in the Middle East reached a new boiling point on Monday after Iran launched a missile strike on Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the region.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the “powerful and destructive” attack, which marked a significant escalation in the ongoing Iran-U.S. conflict.
Located southwest of Doha, Al-Udeid houses more than 10,000 U.S. military personnel.
While Qatar’s Defense Ministry confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted the incoming missiles, explosions were reported in the skies above the Qatari capital. No casualties or injuries have been reported.
The strike came in retaliation for Saturday’s U.S. air and missile assault on Iran’s nuclear development sites, carried out by B-2 bombers and cruise missiles — a move Tehran condemned as an act of war.
Iranian state-affiliated media also reported a parallel missile strike on a U.S. base in Iraq, while NBC News cited American intelligence indicating possible additional Iranian strikes targeting bases in Iraq and Bahrain.
Airspace Closure, Oil Price Dip
Shortly before the strike, Qatar shut down its airspace, leading to the suspension of all Qatar Airways flights and widespread disruption in global air travel. The airline said operations would resume once it was deemed safe.
In an unexpected twist, global oil prices briefly fell following the news, underscoring the uncertainty gripping markets.
Analysts attributed the dip to investor anticipation of diplomatic negotiations rather than an all-out regional war.
Qatar Condemns Attack, Hints at Retaliation
In a rare and strongly worded statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian strike as a “flagrant violation” of the country’s sovereignty and international law.
“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 and in accordance with international law,” the statement read.
U.S. Monitoring from the Situation Room
President Donald Trump, along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, monitored developments from the White House Situation Room.
Trump had visited Al-Udeid Air Base just last month, signaling the base’s strategic importance amid rising regional tensions.
The incident marks the first direct Iranian attack on U.S. forces in Qatar — a U.S. ally that also maintains relatively cordial ties with Tehran.
The move could complicate Qatar’s diplomatic balancing act and raises the specter of wider confrontation.
With both U.S. and Qatari officials vowing strong responses, and regional militaries on high alert, the situation remains volatile.
