On June 23, 2025, Iran’s military launched a missile assault on the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, defining it as a “powerful and devastating” strike. The attack was a direct response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21, 2025.
The Al-Udeid base near Doha houses approximately 10,000 US troops. It is the largest American military installation in the Middle East. Explosions echoed across Doha’s skies, with videos capturing bright flashes as air defenses engaged incoming missiles. Iran’s state media said that the attack was a “powerful” retaliation for US aggression, escalating tensions in an already combustible region.
Qatar’s Air Defenses Intercept Fired Missiles
Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles. Meanwhile, preventing casualties or significant damage at Al-Udeid. The ministry highlighted the base’s strategic primacy as it hosts the US Central Command’s forward headquarters and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing.
Qatar condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stating on X that Doha reserves the right to respond proportionately. Qatar’s airspace was temporarily closed hours before the attack, reflecting heightened regional alertness following US strikes on Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites.
U.S. Leadership Monitors Escalating Crisis
President Donald Trump, alongside Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley, monitored developments from the White House Situation Room. Back in May 2025, Trump visited Al-Udeid and warned Iran against retaliation after the US deployed B-2 bombers and cruise missiles in Operation Midnight Hammer.’
Despite the attack, Trump described Iran’s response as “weak” on Truth Social. He mentioned that advance notice from Tehran allowed US and Qatari forces to prepare, minimizing harm. The US Embassy in Doha issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens, lifted after the attack. At the same time, regional allies like Bahrain and Kuwait briefly closed their airspace.
Regional Strikes and Global Reactions
Iran’s payback reached beyond Qatar. Iranian source claimed a missile struck a US facility in Ain al-Assad, Iraq. For possible strikes in Bahrain and Iraq, US forces were waiting. This shows how vulnerable America’s 45,000 Middle East soldiers are. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, despite its historically warm ties with Iran, condemned the strike as a breach of the UN Charter.
Oil prices dropped 7% on June 23, 2025, as markets interpreted Iran’s measured response as a sign of de-escalation, easing fears of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The UN Secretary-General called for restraint, while Russia and Pakistan criticized the US for provoking the crisis.