Iran escalates conflict, launches missile strike on US air base in Qatar

United Arab Emirates: Iran carried out a missile strike on a US military base in Qatar on Monday, in retaliation for the United States' airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.

Loud explosions were heard over Qatar late Monday night, just hours after the country closed its airspace due to escalating tensions with Iran. The incident follows Iran's threats to retaliate after the United States carried out strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites.

Explosions follow closure of Qatari airspace

Witnesses reported seeing what appeared to be missiles streaking through the skies over Qatar, although there was no official confirmation of an attack from Qatari authorities at the time of reporting.

The explosions occurred shortly after Qatar shut down its airspace, citing potential threats from Iran in response to the US-led Operation Midnight Hammer, which targeted three major Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Iran remains silent on possible attack

Iran did not immediately confirm involvement in any strike on Qatar. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a strongly worded post on social media shortly before the explosions were heard.

“We neither initiated the war nor are seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer,” Pezeshkian wrote on platform X (formerly Twitter).

US-Iran tensions ripple across gulf region

The tensions in the region have been mounting rapidly since US forces bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. The airstrikes, described by President Donald Trump as a pre-emptive security move, prompted threats of retaliation from Tehran.

Earlier on Monday, Israel expanded its military operations to include symbolic targets in Iran, including the gate of a prison in Tehran known for detaining political activists, and the headquarters of Iran’s security forces that were involved in crushing recent public protests.

Qatar's strategic position raises stakes

Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, a key hub for the US Central Command, making it a strategic yet vulnerable point in any regional escalation. Iran has previously issued warnings related to American military presence at this base.

Although Qatar maintains diplomatic ties with Iran and shares the massive South Pars/North Dome natural gas field in the Persian Gulf, its alliance with the US places it in a delicate geopolitical position.

As of now, no casualties or damage reports have been confirmed. Both US and Qatari officials have yet to issue formal statements regarding the nature or source of the explosions.

Regional security experts caution that the incident could further destabilise the already fragile Gulf region, especially with Iran signalling further retaliation in the wake of recent military escalations.

AP inputs