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Iran Fires Missiles Towards US Military Base: Iran launched missiles towards US military installations in Qatar and Iraq on Monday, in retaliation to American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. One of the key targets was Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the region and a critical centre for American military operations.

According to a report by Axios, citing an Israeli official, Iran fired six missiles targeting US troops in Qatar. Iran’s National Security Council later confirmed the missile attack on the American base. While Qatar stated that all the missiles were intercepted successfully and no casualties were reported, Iran’s Mehr News Agency claimed that at least three of the missiles struck the Al-Udeid base.

The New York Times reported that Iran had informed Qatari authorities in advance about its intention to strike the base, a move likely aimed at preventing significant casualties or further escalation.

The United States issued an official statement following the incident, confirming the launch of ballistic missiles by Iran and stating that no American personnel were harmed.

“Al Udeid Air Base was attacked by short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles originating from Iran today. At this time, there are no reports of US casualties. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide more information as it becomes available," the statement read.

Residents in Doha, the capital of Qatar, reported hearing multiple explosions, according to eyewitness accounts shared with Reuters. This attack is being described as the largest Iranian strike on US assets in Qatar to date.

Al-Udeid Air Base: A Strategic US Military Asset

Al-Udeid Air Base is situated southwest of Doha, Qatar’s capital, and is considered the largest American military base in the Middle East. It is a central hub for both US and allied coalition forces and plays a pivotal role in overseeing military operations across West Asia and beyond.

The United States established a military foothold in Qatar in the early 1990s following the Gulf War. As part of efforts to counter regional threats especially from Iran and Iraq, Qatar emerged as a key strategic ally.

Constructed in 1996, the Al-Udeid Air Base was significantly expanded in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. It later became the forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees American military activity spanning the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia.

At the height of US operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, Al-Udeid hosted more than 10,000 American troops. It has also played a central role in the campaign against ISIS and remains essential to the US's regional defence posture.

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US Bombs Iran’s Nuclear Sites, Triggering Retaliation

Iran’s missile barrage followed a major escalation just a day earlier, when the United States bombed three major nuclear facilities inside Iran, signalling its direct involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

As per reports, US stealth B-2 bombers carried out the airstrikes, dropping 14 bunker-busting bombs, each weighing around 30,000 pounds, on key Iranian enrichment sites.

The bombed locations included Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.

ALSO READ: India Issues Advisory After Iran Targets US Base In Qatar; 2 Flights Cancelled As Middle East Nations Shut Airspaces

Trump’s Stern Warning To Iran

Following the US strikes, former President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran against any form of retaliation. Speaking from the White House, Trump said Iran would face dire consequences if it chose confrontation over diplomacy.

“Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left," he warned.

Trump also addressed the success of the US mission, stating, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan," he posted on his Truth Social platform.