Iran launches operation against US military bases in the Middle East.
Iran has launched a series of missile attacks targeting US military bases in both Iraq and Qatar, marking a dramatic escalation in regional tensions following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The operation, dubbed “Basharat al-Fath” by Iranian officials, began on Monday.
According to Axios, citing an Israeli official, Iran fired at least six missiles toward US bases in Qatar, which hosts the largest American military presence in the Middle East at Al Udeid Air Base near Doha.
More than 8,000 US troops are stationed at the facility.
Explosions were reported over the Qatari capital, Doha, with both Agence France-Presse and Reuters confirming the sounds of blasts in the area.
In Iraq, Haaretz reported that at least one missile was launched toward a US base, though details remain limited.
A senior White House official told Al-Monitor that both the White House and the Department of Defense are “aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.” As of now, there is no immediate information on casualties or the extent of damage at either location.
This attack represents the second-largest direct Iranian strike on US targets, following Tehran’s response to the 2020 killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani.
The missile strikes come after the United States entered the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, with President Donald Trump authorizing airstrikes on Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites.
Tehran denounces US attack
Tehran denounced the US action, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and warning that it had “crossed a big red line”.
Qatar, which had already suspended air traffic and urged residents to shelter in place earlier on Monday, remains on high alert.
The situation is rapidly changing, and authorities in both Qatar and Iraq are assessing the aftermath of the attacks.
