Iran launched a missile strike on a US military base in Qatar on Monday, declaring it a direct response to Washington’s bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.
State television in Tehran reported that Iranian forces targeted Al Udeid Air Base—home to American troops—describing the operation as “a mighty and successful response to America’s aggression.” The broadcast, accompanied by martial music, framed the strike as a declaration of resolve in the face of foreign attacks.
Shortly before the announcement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on social platform X: “We neither initiated the war nor seek it. But we will not leave an invasion of great Iran unanswered.”
Eyewitnesses in Qatar reported seeing missiles streaking across the sky followed by loud explosions, though no immediate reports confirmed damage or casualties at the US facility. Qatar had closed its airspace earlier in the day as a precaution following Iranian threats.
The missile strike came on the 11th day of a rapidly intensifying war between Iran and Israel that has now drawn in the United States and raised alarm across the international community.
Hours before Iran’s attack on the US base, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting Tehran and other Iranian regions. Israeli media described Iran’s response as the “longest missile barrage” of the conflict to date.
The Israeli military claimed to have struck six airports across central, eastern, and western Iran, destroying 15 aircraft—including fighter jets and helicopters—via drone operations. In retaliation, Iran struck a strategic power facility in southern Israel, causing blackouts affecting some 8,000 homes.
Israel’s Home Front Command reported five successive waves of Iranian missile fire, estimating that 15 missiles were launched toward Israeli territory. The Israeli Electric Corporation confirmed damage to one of its key installations.
In Tehran, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of several individuals accused of launching drones from the mountains northwest of the capital. According to local media, security forces discovered over 10,000 miniature drones allegedly linked to Israeli intelligence operations.
Iranian state television also reported power outages in parts of northern Tehran following explosions caused by Israeli airstrikes. Separately, ten people were arrested in Lorestan Province for alleged espionage and spreading anti-government propaganda.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense said its air raids struck core military and intelligence sites in central Tehran, including the Basij militia headquarters, Revolutionary Guard installations, and the notorious Evin Prison. One symbolic target reportedly hit was the “Clock of Israel’s Destruction” in Palestine Square.
Israeli forces claimed to have intercepted dozens of Iranian drones using electronic warfare systems.
Iran’s military leadership accused Washington of launching attacks on three sites within Iranian territory. Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi warned of a decisive response, blaming US President Donald Trump for “desperate actions to save his proxy”—a reference to Israel.
President Pezeshkian had earlier warned that the United States would not escape consequences for targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. A spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters called the American airstrikes a “crime” and declared, “Trump may have started this war, but we will be the ones to end it.”
A senior Iranian official told CNN that Iran is prepared for a long war, potentially lasting up to two years. “There is unprecedented public demand in Iran to strike Israel,” he said, calling ceasefire appeals “deceptive tactics.”
According to Reuters, most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium had been moved from the Fordow facility before the US strike, and staff numbers were significantly reduced. Israeli sources said their military targeted roads near Fordow but not the site itself. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the site sustained serious damage.
In response to the US strike, Iranian lawmakers are reportedly drafting a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unless the body offers “clear professional guarantees.” Some MPs also proposed legislation to restrict maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a move the Revolutionary Guard says it is ready to enforce.
US Vice President J.D. Vance called the threat to close the strait “suicidal.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the US strikes marked a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region. He addressed the UN Security Council at Iran’s request, the third emergency meeting since the Israel-Iran conflict erupted.
A UN fact-finding mission said Israel’s recent strikes may violate international humanitarian law, while NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte defended the legality of the US actions, expressing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tehran against further retaliation, calling any attack on American forces a “grave mistake.” Intelligence firm Ambrey warned that additional Iranian retaliation was “almost certain” and may include strikes on US-linked vessels.
According to The Wall Street Journal, US officials have communicated to Arab counterparts that Israel wishes to end the war soon and have asked them to pass this message to Iran. Iranian officials, however, have shown no sign of de-escalation, vowing to continue military operations until a “decisive response” is achieved.
Despite the escalating conflict, Iran’s national electricity provider, Tavanir, issued a statement confirming that the country’s power grid remains fully operational.
