The Middle East edged closer to all-out conflict on Monday night as Iran launched missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, retaliating for American airstrikes on its nuclear facilities and intensifying fears of a regional war.
Explosions lit up the night sky over Doha, the Qatari capital, as residents watched in shock while missiles and interceptors streaked overhead. Witnesses reported that at least one Iranian missile appeared to breach defense systems before being intercepted.
Iranian state media confirmed that its forces had targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts thousands of US troops and serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the attack as “a mighty and successful response” to what Tehran has labelled America’s aggression.
A second wave of missiles struck Ain al-Assad Air Base in western Iraq, where American personnel are also stationed. An Iraqi security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the strikes but provided no immediate details about casualties or damage.
Iran Responds to US Bombing of Nuclear Sites
The attacks come just two days after the United States launched a massive bombing campaign against key Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. The US operation, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, involved over 125 aircraft, including stealth bombers and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Washington has described the strikes as a preemptive effort to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, Tehran has condemned them as an illegal assault on its sovereignty.
In a post on the social platform X just before the missile launches, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated, “We did not start this war, nor do we seek one. But we will not leave an invasion of Iran unanswered.”
The United States has yet to formally respond to Monday night’s missile attacks, though senior defense officials indicated that “all options remain on the table.”
Qatar Caught in the Crossfire
Qatar, which shares a massive offshore natural gas field with Iran and maintains diplomatic relations with Tehran, has found itself unwillingly drawn into the confrontation. Earlier on Monday, Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution, anticipating retaliation from Iran.
The Al Udeid Air Base has long been seen as a prime target for Iranian strikes, given its strategic role in US military operations across the Middle East. Though the extent of the damage remains unclear, video footage circulating online showed interceptors being fired from Doha’s outskirts.
Local authorities urged calm but acknowledged that additional security measures were being put in place across the city.
Iraq on Edge
In Iraq, the Ain al-Assad Air Base was hit for the second time in recent years. The base had previously been targeted by Iran in 2020 following the US assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani.
With Iraq already grappling with internal instability and the presence of armed militias aligned with Tehran, the latest attacks risk further destabilizing the fragile security environment in the country.
Israel Strikes Deep Inside Iran
Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military operations against Iran, carrying out strikes inside Tehran itself. On Monday, Israeli missiles reportedly struck the headquarters of Iran’s internal security forces and Evin Prison — a notorious facility used to detain political prisoners.
The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, saying they were intended to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and undermine the regime’s ability to suppress domestic dissent.
In response, Iran launched another barrage of missiles and drones at Israeli territory, adding to the already volatile situation across the region.
Global Fallout and Travel Warnings
The latest exchange of attacks has triggered global alarm. The US State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory, warning American citizens to exercise caution while traveling abroad due to the risk of anti-American demonstrations and potential attacks.
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Major US cities, including New York and Washington, have ramped up security at airports, government buildings, and public landmarks in anticipation of possible retaliatory actions.
New York Mayor Eric Adams confirmed that additional police units had been deployed to protect religious and diplomatic sites, while federal authorities have warned of a “heightened threat environment” across the United States.
Calls for Restraint as Conflict Escalates
International leaders have urged all sides to exercise restraint, warning that continued escalation could plunge the region into a broader war with devastating consequences.
As of Tuesday morning, no further strikes have been confirmed, but military activity in the region remains at high alert. With both Iran and the United States signaling determination to defend their interests, the risk of further conflict looms large.
For now, the Middle East — and the world — holds its breath, watching as the situation unfolds.
