Middle East tension: Iran fires several missiles toward US base in Qatar; explosions heard across Doha

In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Iran launched several missiles targeting US base in Qatar on Monday night, specifically striking the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East. The attack came in direct retaliation for the recent US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to Axios, which cited an Israeli official.

Shortly after Qatar shut its airspace as a precaution, loud explosions were heard across Doha and Lusail, and projectiles were seen streaking through the night sky, according to eyewitnesses and AFP journalists.

Iran’s state television broadcast footage of the strike, accompanied by martial music, with a caption declaring it “a mighty and successful response by the armed forces of Iran to America’s aggression,” Reuters reported. Iran's military later confirmed that the missile strike on Al Udeid was “devastating and powerful.”

Iran matches US strike intensity
Iran’s top security body issued a statement saying that its armed forces used the same number of bombs that the US had deployed during its attack on Iranian nuclear sites. The statement added that the base targeted was far from urban and residential areas in Qatar and emphasized that the operation posed no threat to its "friendly and brotherly" neighbour Qatar.

The missile campaign, dubbed "Annunciation of Victory" by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, was part of a broader response that also included attacks on US bases in Iraq, according to a security official cited by the AP.

Meanwhile, Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, issued a public alert urging citizens to remain calm and proceed to the nearest safe location. The US Embassy in Doha, along with other Western embassies, advised residents to shelter in place until further notice.

Qatar reacts, assures public of stability
Qatar’s foreign ministry acknowledged the attack and said the country “reserves the right to respond directly and in accordance with international law.” However, it reassured the public that the security situation remains stable and stated that Doha is working closely with regional and international partners to de-escalate tensions.

The Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha, houses thousands of American troops and serves as a critical operational hub for US military activities across the Middle East.

Israeli strikes continue in Iran
In a related development, the Israeli military announced that approximately 15 fighter jets, under the guidance of the IDF Intelligence Directorate, carried out a series of strikes on missile and UAV storage sites in western Iran. Targets included underground military infrastructure and arms depots linked to the Iranian Armed Forces, according to a statement posted on the IDF's official Telegram channel.

No official US response yet
As of now, there has been no official response from the US Department of Defense or CENTCOM regarding the Iranian missile strike, including details on damage or casualties.