Multiple explosions were heard across Qatar’s capital, Doha, late Monday night, as Iran reportedly launched six ballistic missiles targeting US military bases in the country, according to US and Israeli media reports.
Eyewitnesses reported loud booms and flares lighting up the night sky, with flames briefly visible over several parts of the capital. The nature and extent of the attack are still being assessed, and there is no official confirmation yet of casualties or damage.
According to Axios, quoting an unnamed Israeli official, Iran fired six missiles at US bases in Doha. The report was filed by Barak Ravid, an Axios journalist and former IDF officer. US media outlets have also confirmed Iran's missile launches targeting the Al-Udeid Air Base, which houses American and allied forces in Qatar.
בכיר ישראלי: איראן שיגרה טילים לעבר בסיסים אמריקנים בקטאר
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) June 23, 2025
A Reuters correspondent in Doha reported hearing further explosions following the initial blasts, although it remains unclear whether these were caused by missile impacts or the activation of air defense systems.
Same number of bombs US used, attack not against Qatar
Iran's armed forces said in a statement that they targeted the Al-Udeid base in Qatar with a 'devastating and powerful' missile attack. They said they will not leave any attack on Iran's territory unanswered under any circumstances.
Iran's top security body said in a statement that its armed forces used the same number of bombs that the US had used in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities. It also said the US base was far from urban facilities and residential areas in Qatar.
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The Iranian Supreme National Security Council says that the missile strike against Al Udeid Air Base was away from residential areas in Qatar. “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,” the council said in a statement.
Also Read: Qatar closes airspace; US evacuates airbase over Iran threat
Iranian state TV dubbed this operation against US bases in the region as 'Operation Basharat al-Fath'. A senior White House official said the White House and the US Department of Defense are aware of and closely monitoring the potential threats to the Al Udeid air base in Qatar.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officially confirmed that it launched a retaliatory missile attack targeting the American al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reports.
Iran told Qatar, US before attack
Iran coordinated its strikes on US bases in Qatar, prompting airspace closure, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday. The New York Times, which first reported the coordination, said Iran took the action to minimize casualties.
On the other hand, Iran informed US via two diplomatic channels hours ahead of attacks on Qatar, senior regional source tells Reuters. Tehran also informed Doha, the source said.
A US military official told Reuters that no Iranian attack was recorded at any US base other than Qatar.
Qatar reacts to Iran's attack
CNBC reports citing an admin official say that US President Donald Trump is currently in the Situation Room with his defence secretary, and joints chiefs.
A White House official confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair General John Caine are in the Situation Room monitoring the Qatar situation with President Trump.
Meanwhile, military sources tell Reuters that the air defense system had been activated at US's Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq for fear of a potential attack.
Bahrain sounds alert
Bahrain has urged its citizens to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.
The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place
— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) June 23, 2025
Bahrain says it has shut down airspace temporarily amid fears of retaliation by Iran against US attacks.
Regional tensions escalate
Just hours ago, Qatar said it has shut down airspace temporarily as part of measures taken amid developments in the region, a statement by the Qatari foreign ministry said on X.
The move follows Iran’s announcement of retaliation against the United States, which has heightened security concerns across the Gulf region.
Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority announced that the airspace closure is a precautionary step to ensure the safety of residents and international visitors, particularly pilgrims transiting through the country.
“This is a temporary measure aimed at ensuring public safety amid ongoing regional developments,” said a Qatari government source, speaking to a local news agency.
According to US media reports, Iran may launch an attack on the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. In response to the potential threat, the United States has already evacuated personnel from the base.
Additionally, American and British warplanes stationed at Al-Udeid have been relocated to an undisclosed location, reports say.
US, UK issue safety advisories
The US and British embassies in Doha have already issued alerts to their citizens, advising them to remain in secure shelters until further notice. The advisories reflect growing fears of potential spillover effects from the Iran-US standoff.
Schools ordered to close
Adding to the precautionary measures, several schools across Qatar have also been ordered to shut down for Tuesday, with local authorities monitoring the situation closely.
