In a dramatic escalation, Iran launched several missiles targeting United States military bases in the Middle East on Monday. This attack was a direct response to American airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, according to sources from Israel and Arab nations reported to Axios. The sources indicated that at least ten missiles were aimed at Qatar, with another targeting Iraq.
The White House and the Department of Defense have acknowledged being aware of "potential threats" directed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and are closely monitoring the unfolding situation. In the Qatari capital, Doha, loud explosions were reported late Monday night, with social media posts showing the activation of air defense systems.
Earlier in the day, Qatar's government took precautionary steps by temporarily closing its airspace amid the rising tensions in the region. The Al Udeid base, noted as the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, had already seen a significant evacuation of personnel and aircraft in recent weeks.
In response to the situation, the United States, United Kingdom, and China issued warnings advising their citizens in Qatar to seek shelter as a safety measure. An Iranian military spokesperson suggested that U.S. actions have "expanded the scope of legitimate targets" for Iran's armed forces, warning of "serious consequences."
Addressing President Trump, the spokesperson stated, "Mr. Trump, the game player: you may have started this war, but we will be the ones to end it." President Trump was scheduled to meet with his national security team at 1 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Monday to discuss the ongoing crisis. He had previously warned that any retaliation would be met with "a much greater force" than the recent strikes.
Qatar's Preventive Measures Amid Rising Regional Tensions
On Monday, Qatar's Foreign Ministry announced a temporary suspension of air traffic within its airspace as a preventive measure to safeguard citizens, residents, and visitors amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to an EFE report. While the official statement did not directly reference the recent hostilities involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, it highlighted the move as part of broader precautionary strategies "adopted in response to regional developments."
Reuters noted that the decision followed advisories from U.S. and UK embassies in Doha, urging citizens to remain at their current locations "out of extreme caution." These alerts prompted a flurry of internal communications within educational and work institutions across Doha. American universities with campuses in Qatar, such as Texas A&M, Georgetown, and Northwestern, issued directives for staff and students to either evacuate or stay home.
The American School in Qatar, despite being out of session, closed its campus and halted summer camp activities. Al Udeid Air Base, a pivotal U.S. military hub in the region, houses approximately 10,000 troops and serves as the headquarters for U.S. Central Command. Reuters emphasized warnings from U.S. government sources about a potential Iranian attack on American interests in the region in the coming hours.
Despite the heightened state of alert, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson assured that the security situation "remains stable," although the airspace closure highlights the increasing alert level.
Key Questions on Middle East Tensions
What prompted Iran to launch missiles at U.S. bases?
Iran's missile attack was a retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities over the previous weekend.
Why did Qatar close its airspace?
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace as a preventive measure to protect its citizens and residents amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
What is the significance of Al Udeid Air Base?
Al Udeid Air Base is the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, serving as a key strategic hub with approximately 10,000 U.S. troops stationed there.