Doha: Iran announced it had launched missiles at a US base in Qatar in response to American strikes on key nuclear facilities. US President Donald Trump described the Iranian retaliation as "very weak" and suggested it was now time to pursue peace.
According to France24.com, a US defense official confirmed that no casualties resulted from the attack, which Trump stated Iran had given advanced notice of. The incident led to a decline in oil prices, as traders viewed the Iranian response as "somewhat measured."
Qatar, home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, claimed its air defenses successfully intercepted the missile attack. President Trump took to his Truth Social platform, thanking Iran for the early warning which helped prevent any loss of life or injuries. He expressed hope for a move towards peace in the region and encouraged Israel to follow suit.
The New York Times, referencing Iranian officials, described the Iranian response as strategically designed to provide all parties an opportunity to de-escalate the situation. This event drew parallels to a similar attack on a US base in Iraq following Washington's assassination of a top Iranian general in 2020.
Amid growing international concerns over potential regional spillovers from Israel's campaign in Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron urged an end to the "spiral of chaos" following the Iranian retaliation.
Iran's security council maintained that their actions posed no threat to Qatar, describing them as a "friendly and brotherly country." However, Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari reserved the right for a proportional response to what he called blatant aggression. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia condemned Iran's attack and pledged support to Qatar.
AFP reporters in Doha reported hearing blasts and observing projectiles in the sky. The US defense official stated that Al Udeid was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles, which led to a precautionary evacuation of the base. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that six missiles struck the base.
State TV in Iran aired images of public celebrations in Tehran, where crowds waved flags and chanted anti-American slogans. Earlier, Qatar had temporarily closed its airspace and foreign embassies, including the US, advised citizens to shelter in place. Despite the tensions, Qatar later assured that its security situation was stable.
Simultaneously, blasts were heard in northern Tehran, as reported by an AFP journalist. The attacks coincided with Israel's announcement of powerful strikes on Tehran, targeting strategic sites. In response, Iran launched missile barrages at Israel.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Iranian health officials reporting over 400 deaths due to Israeli strikes, while Iranian attacks on Israel have resulted in 24 fatalities, according to official figures.
China has called for restraint from both Iran and Israel, citing concerns over potential economic repercussions.
The missile attack led to a sharp fall in oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate and Brent oil futures dropping more than six percent. This economic impact underscores the global significance of the ongoing conflict.
Prior to the Iranian attack, President Trump had hinted at the possibility of regime change in Iran, questioning the current regime's ability to "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN" on his Truth Social platform.