Iran has defended its missile attack on a US military base in Qatar, saying it was a strong response to recent American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The missiles hit the Al Udeid Air Base near Doha on Monday night. This base is the largest US military base in the Middle East.
People in Doha and nearby Lusail reported hearing loud explosions. Qatar quickly closed its airspace after the attack. Many witnesses said they saw missiles flying across the sky.
Iranian state TV showed videos of the launch and called it a “mighty and successful response” to what it described as US aggression. Iran’s military later said the attack was “devastating and powerful.”
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran said the strike matched the size of the US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The council also said the base was far from residential areas to avoid harming civilians.
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Tehran said it did not intend to harm Qatar, calling the country a “friendly and brotherly nation.”
Iranian media called the attack “Annunciation of Victory.”
Reports also said other US military sites in Iraq were attacked at the same time.
In response, Bahrain—where the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based—told its people to stay calm and find safe places.
The US Embassy in Doha and other Western embassies warned residents to stay indoors until further notice.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed the attack and said the country “reserves the right to respond directly and in accordance with international law.”