Doha: Iran announced it had launched missiles at a US base in Qatar Monday in retaliation for American strikes on key nuclear facilities, with US President Donald Trump shrugging off the response as "very weak" and saying it was now time to make peace. A US defense official confirmed that no casualties resulted from the attack, which Trump claimed Iran had given advanced notice of, leading to a subsequent drop in oil prices as traders reacted to what one analyst termed a "somewhat measured" response.
According to France24.com, Qatar, which hosts the largest US military facility in the Middle East, stated that its air defenses successfully intercepted the missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base. President Trump, on his Truth Social platform, thanked Tehran for the early warning that ensured no lives were lost and expressed hope that Iran might now pursue peace and harmony in the region.
The New York Times, referencing Iranian officials, noted that the missile response was designed to provide "all sides an exit ramp," reminiscent of a similar Iranian attack on a US base in Iraq after the assassination of a top Iranian general in 2020. With growing international concerns about potential regional spillover from Israel's campaign in Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to the "spiral of chaos" following the Iranian retaliation.
Iran's security council asserted that their action posed no threat to Qatar, which nevertheless reserved the right to respond proportionally to what it termed a "blatant aggression." Saudi Arabia, historically a rival of Iran, condemned the attack and pledged support to Qatar. AFP reporters observed blasts in Doha and Lusail, while the US defense official confirmed the use of short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles in the attack, leading to a pre-emptive evacuation of Al Udeid.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, with state media showing celebrations in Tehran, where citizens chanted "Death to America." In response to the regional tension, Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, advising citizens to shelter in place, though later assured that the security situation remained stable.
Coinciding with the announcement of the missile strikes, blasts were reported in northern Tehran, linked to Israeli airstrikes in response to Iranian missile barrages. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz reported that military targets in Tehran, including Evin prison and Revolutionary Guard command centers, were hit. Iranian and Israeli sources confirmed strikes on Fordo, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
As tensions escalated, China urged Iran and Israel to contain the conflict to prevent economic repercussions, reflecting in a notable drop in oil prices. West Texas Intermediate and Brent oil futures both fell sharply, highlighting the potential global economic impact of the ongoing conflict.
Trump, reiterating the US stance, questioned the potential for regime change in Iran, expressing a desire for diplomatic resolutions despite escalating military actions in the region.