The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iran has launched ballistic missiles at US military bases in Qatar and Iraq. The attack was in retaliation for a US strike on Iran's nuclear facilities on Sunday night, according to Iranian state television.
Reuters and AFP reported shortly before that on explosions over the Qatari capital Doha, sparking speculation of an escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The Iranian military subsequently confirmed a strike on the key US base of Al-Udeid in Qatar.
According to a report by BBC News, Iran has carried out missile attacks on two US bases, namely Al-Udeid in Qatar, the largest US base in the region, and Ajn al-Asad airbase in Iraq. Iran's IRNA news agency reported that long-range ballistic missiles were used, with the aim of "punishing American aggression" following the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and Fiot.
The BBC quotes an Iranian general Amir Ali Hajizadiwho said the attacks were "precise and successful", although specific figures on damage or casualties were not immediately available. The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) confirmed the strikes, according to the BBC, but said an assessment of damage and casualties was underway, with "all American troops are on standby".
The German news server Der Spiegel reported that the explosions over Doha were recorded shortly after 18:00 local time, which corresponds to Reuters reports of the sounds of explosions. According to Der Spiegel, Qatari authorities closed the airspace over the city and urged residents to stay safe.
German foreign ministry sources said Germany was monitoring the situation with "extreme concern" and called for de-escalation. Der Spiegel also noted that Al-Udeid is a strategically key base that hosts more than 10,000 US troops and serves as the headquarters for operations in the region.
French newspaper Le Monde added that the Iranian attack was expected after Saturday's statement by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneiwho described the American strike as "war against the Islamic Republic". According to Le Monde, Iran has warned that any further US action will lead to a "more devastating response". The French President Emmanuel Macron called for an immediate diplomatic solution and offered to mediate talks between Tehran and Washington.
The US attack, which sparked Iranian retaliation, was ordered by President Donald Trump and targeted three Iranian nuclear facilities - Natanz, Isfahan and Fordo, according to The Guardian. Trump claimed in a speech on June 22, 2025 that the attack "devastated Iran's nuclear program" and warned Tehran of further strikes unless it accepts a peace deal.
According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Iran considers US bases in the region legitimate targets because the US provides logistical and intelligence support to Israel. FAZ quotes an Iranian diplomat as saying that the attacks on Al-Udeid and Ajn al-Asad were a "symbolic response", but Tehran is considering other steps, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which could threaten global oil supplies.
The Times reported that the British government of Prime Minister Keira Starmer condemned the Iranian attack as "dangerous escalation" and called for an early meeting of the UN Security Council. According to The Times, the British Ministry of Defence has stepped up security measures at its bases in the Middle East, including in Cyprus. Le Figaro reported that France will consider sending additional military reinforcements to the region to protect its interests, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq.
According to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, there is a risk that Iranian attacks will trigger a direct US military response, which could lead to a regional war. A German analyst Markus Kaim said that "Iran cannot afford to back down, but at the same time it does not have the capacity for a long-term conflict with the US and Israel". Le Monde warned that further escalation could destabilise the entire region, including Yemen and Syria, where Iran is supporting local militias.
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