Iran has carried out a missile strike on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, stating it was a direct retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities conducted the previous day. According to a statement from Iran’s armed forces, the operation was authorized by the Supreme National Security Council and executed by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). The strike, which reportedly targeted the U.S. military’s most strategic base in the region, was described by Iranian officials as a response to what they called “a clear violation of international law” following the attacks on nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
The Iranian statement emphasized that the missile barrage was intended as a proportionate response, with the number of missiles matching the number of bombs dropped during the U.S. operation. Officials further noted that the targeted base was located away from urban infrastructure and residential areas in Qatar, underscoring Iran’s stated intention to avoid harm to civilians or regional partners. Ahead of the strike, Qatar closed its airspace, and the U.S. embassy in Doha temporarily evacuated staff as a precaution.
Iran also reiterated its position that it would not leave violations of its sovereignty unanswered, warning against the use of neighboring territories for military operations against the Islamic Republic. The statement described American military presence in the region as vulnerable and repeated Iran’s view that the recent U.S. strikes were aligned with broader strategic objectives involving Israel. Iranian officials stressed, however, that Tehran remains committed to maintaining constructive relations with regional states, including Qatar.