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Iran launched several missiles on the evening of Monday, 23 June, targeting US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, following American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Qatar is home to Al Udeid Air Base, a major base for US forces. It is reported that Iran launched six powerful missiles at the air base.

Videos have emerged showing flares lighting up Doha skies as missile defence systems at the US airbase appeared to intercept incoming threats. Loud explosions echoed across the capital, Reuters reported.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officially confirmed the retaliatory missile attack targeting the American air bases. The operation is called “Annunciation of Victory,” Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported.

“Iran will never leave any aggression against its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national security unanswered,” the IRGC released a statement via the news agency.

Following the attacks, air raid alerts were issued in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

A few hours ago, Qatar’s foreign ministry announced the temporary closure of its airspace. It is also home to Qatar Airways, a major regional carrier.

A number of schools in Qatar have also been ordered shut for tomorrow.

Iran’s retaliation was in response to the June 22 attack by the United States on its key nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, “Operation Midnight Hammer“, involving stealth bombers and precision-guided munitions, aimed to significantly damage Tehran’s uranium enrichment capabilities.

Strongly condemns the attack: Qatar

In a strong statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari says the IRGC attack on the Al-Udeid air base is a “violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace and the UN charter.”

“We, in the State of Qatar, reserve our right to respond directly … to this blatant aggression in accordance with international law,” Majed al-Ansari said in a statement.

Al-Ansari further confirmed that no casualties and damage. “The base had been evacuated earlier, following established security and precautionary measures, given the tensions in the region. All necessary steps were taken to ensure the safety of personnel at the base, including Qatari Armed Forces members, friendly forces, and others. We confirm that no injuries or human casualties resulted from the attack,” his statement read.

Not against brotherly Qatar, says Iran

The Iranian Supreme National Security Council responded to Qatar’s condemnation, clarifying that the missile strike was solely targeted towards the US military base.

In a statement issued, the council said, “This action does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people, and the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining and continuing warm and historic relations with Qatar.”

Indian govt issues warning to citizens in Qatar

Soon after the attacks, the Indian Embassy in Qatar urged its citizens to exercise caution and stay indoors in view of the ongoing situation. The Embassy advised everyone to remain calm, follow local news, and adhere to the instructions and guidance issued by the Qatari authorities. It also assured that updates would continue to be shared through its social media channels.

(This is a breaking story. More details awaited.)