Iran Launches Missile Barrage at U.S. Military Bases in Qatar and Iraq Following U.S. Strikes on Nuclear Facilities
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
Iran launched at least 10 ballistic missiles at U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday in a retaliatory strike after President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. The attack, which targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Doha—a critical American military hub in the region—prompted the activation of air defense systems and the evacuation of key assets.
U.S. officials confirmed that all Iranian missiles aimed at Al Udeid were intercepted by Qatar's Patriot Air Defense systems. No casualties were reported, though the region was placed on high alert, and explosions were heard above Doha as the missiles were neutralized.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed responsibility for the attack, warning that "the era of hit and run is over." Iranian leaders said the number of missiles launched matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. in “Operation Midnight Hammer,” a military operation that targeted and reportedly destroyed three of Iran’s nuclear facilities on Saturday night using 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs.
Iran Launches Missile Barrage at U.S. Military Bases in Qatar and Iraq Following U.S. Strikes on Nuclear Facilities
President Trump’s strikes, coupled with remarks raising the possibility of regime change in Iran, triggered a furious response from Tehran. A senior Iranian official warned that the United States would "directly pay" for the attacks, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic is prepared for a war that could last up to two years.
Tehran’s mission to the United Nations accused the U.S., Israel, the United Kingdom, France, and the International Atomic Energy Agency of bearing "full responsibility" for the civilian deaths that resulted from the bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites.
Amid mounting tensions, Israel launched its own strikes on regime targets in Tehran on Monday, reportedly killing hundreds of members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran responded by escalating its own military posture.
Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts over 11,000 U.S. troops and more than 100 American and British aircraft, had already evacuated at least 40 aircraft in anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation.
Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis are ongoing. Trump’s Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been in communication with Iranian officials in an effort to find a diplomatic resolution. However, these efforts have been hindered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is reportedly in hiding since hostilities with Israel intensified.
The missile strikes on U.S. bases drew swift international condemnation. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates issued statements denouncing Iran’s actions and expressing solidarity with Qatar. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these sentiments, calling the attack a “flagrant violation of international law” and urging all parties to de-escalate.
“I express France’s solidarity with Qatar, which has been struck by Iran on its soil. This spiral of chaos must end,” Macron stated.
Despite the missile retaliation, President Trump praised the effectiveness of the U.S. airstrikes, declaring the targeted Iranian nuclear sites were "totally destroyed." He also lashed out at U.S. media outlets for their coverage of the conflict.
As the world watches closely, fears of a broader conflict persist. Qatar reported that all missiles were successfully intercepted and that there were no casualties. However, video footage from a shopping mall in Doha showed scenes of panic as shoppers fled amid blaring air raid sirens.
With more than 40,000 American troops stationed across the Middle East and Iran vowing further retaliation, the region stands on the edge of a dangerous escalation.
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