Iran hits key US base in Qatar, Iraq; GCC closes air space
DOHA, 7 days ago
Iran launched missile attacks Monday on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the volatile region.
Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace was now safe.
Iran said the attack in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on its nuclear sites this weekend, signaling its likely desire to de-escalate.
Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas.
Iran announced the attack on state television as martial music played. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response” to “America’s aggression.”
The Ain al-Assad base housing U.S. troops in western Iraq was also targeted, an Iraqi security official who was not authorized to comment publicly told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Bahrain, and the UAE closed their airspace following Iranian strikes on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday.
Iraqi authorities suspended air traffic at Basra International Airport and other airports across the country, Shafaq News Agency reported.
Reuters, citing aircraft tracking service Flightradar, reported that the UAE's airspace was closed based on current flight paths.
In addition, Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs announced the temporary suspension of air navigation in the kingdom’s airspace as a precautionary measure amid escalating regional tensions.
Meanwhile CNN reported that the Trump administration was anticipating Tehran would retaliate after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, and the president does not want more military engagement in the region, a senior White House official told CNN today.
“We knew they’d retaliate. They had a similar response after Soleimani,” the official said, referring to Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian commander killed in a US airstrike in 2020.
The official said initial assessments were that the missiles fired by the Iranians on Monday didn’t hit their intended targets.
Qatar’s Defence Ministry said its air defenses intercepted an Iranian missile attack on the US air base in the country.
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was attacked 'by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran,' a US defense official said Monday.
"At this time, there are no reports of US casualties," the official said. "We are monitoring this situation closely and will provide more information as it becomes available."
President Trump is willing to escalate US military involvement if necessary, the official said. Trump was due to talk to national security officials Monday afternoon, and it is possible his posture could change, it stated.
