Iran's retaliation towards US during ongoing Iran-Israel war
On June 23, 2025, Iran launched a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East—in response to American airstrikes on its nuclear sites. Here’s what we know so far:
Attack Details
Target: Al Udeid Air Base, located 20 miles southwest of Doha, serves as the forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and houses 8,000–10,000 American troops.
Timing: The strike occurred on the night of June 23, with explosions reported over Doha.
Iran’s Justification
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, calling it a "devastating missile strike" in retaliation for U.S. attacks on three nuclear facilities (Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan) on June 22.
Iranian state media framed the strike as a "proportionate response," matching the number of missiles to U.S. bombs used, signaling an intent to avoid further escalation.
Reports suggest Iran coordinated with Qatari officials beforehand to minimize casualties, striking a remote area of the base.
Qatar’s Reaction
Qatar’s air defenses intercepted the missiles, preventing injuries or major damage.
The Qatari government condemned the attack as a violation of its sovereignty and international law, reserving the right to respond.
As tensions rose, Qatar had preemptively closed its airspace and halted flights.
U.S. and Global Response
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a "shelter in place" alert for American citizens.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine monitored the situation from the White House.
The U.S. had reinforced regional defenses, deploying advanced fighter jets and positioning the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.
The U.K. and China also advised their citizens in Qatar to take shelter.
Former President Donald Trump, who visited Al Udeid in May 2025, attended a National Security Council meeting to assess further risks.
Background
The strike followed U.S. operations ("Midnight Hammer") on June 22, which severely damaged Iran’s nuclear program.
Tensions had been escalating since June 13, when the U.S. joined Israeli strikes against Iranian targets.
Prior to the attack, Iran had warned Qatar that U.S. bases could be targeted if America struck first.
Many U.S. aircraft and personnel had already been relocated due to rising threats.
Conflicting Reports
Some social media posts claimed Iran used drones, but major outlets have not verified this.
Other reports downplayed the attack as largely symbolic, with missiles being neutralized by air defenses.
Regional Fallout
No casualties or major damage occurred at Al Udeid, thanks to Qatar’s defenses and prior evacuations.
Iran also struck a U.S. base in Iraq, though details remain unclear.
Fears of wider conflict persist, including potential Iranian moves against other U.S. bases or the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices dropped 4.1% to $70.78/barrel, as markets doubted Iran’s ability to escalate further.
The attack marks a dangerous escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, with the region bracing for possible further retaliation.
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