Iran Strikes US Bases in Qatar and Iraq, Escalates Regional Conflict

Iran Strikes US Bases in Qatar and Iraq, Escalates Regional Conflict

By Thenationweek.com
June 24, 2025

DOHA, Qatar—International alarm is growing as Iran launched missile strikes against United States military installations in Qatar and Iraq on Monday (June 23, 2025), in a swift response to American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend.

The escalating conflict has prompted regional airspace closures and shelter-in-place advisories, heightening fears of a wider conflagration.

Qatar confirmed that the Al Udeid Air Base, a vital US military hub, was targeted by 19 Iranian missiles.

While all missiles were reportedly intercepted, the Qatari government condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and reserved the right to respond.

US officials confirmed additional missiles were fired toward American facilities in Iraq.

In the wake of the attacks, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain temporarily closed their airspace, disrupting international air travel.

The US and United Kingdom embassies issued shelter-in-place advisories for their citizens in the region, underscoring the gravity of the situation. But these advisories have since been lifted.

The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Iranian action and expressed solidarity with Qatar, saying that such acts undermine regional stability and violate international law.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said the missile attack was a direct response to “America’s blatant aggression” and warned that Tehran is prepared to retaliate against any new US strikes.

US President Donald Trump downplayed the Iranian strikes as “very weak” and expressed hope that Iran and Israel could “now proceed to peace and harmony.”

The temporary closure of Middle Eastern airspace led to the diversion of at least 26 commercial flights, with the potential for further cancellations.

Oman Air has temporarily suspended flights to and from Manama, Dubai, Kuwait, and Doha.

EgyptAir announced on Monday the suspension of all flights from Cairo to Gulf countries until regional conditions stabilize.

The speaker of Iran’s parliament indicated that Tehran is considering suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, accusing the UN’s nuclear watchdog of lacking objectivity.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Iran “will not surrender to anyone’s violation,” marking his first social media statement since the US strikes.