A dangerous escalation in the region follows Iran's announcement that it would target military bases in the Gulf, specifically in Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq. Meanwhile, Gulf states announced the closure of their airspace to aircraft to protect their citizens.
In detail, Iran launched missiles on Monday evening at US bases in Qatar, Kuwait, and Iraq, in retaliation for the attacks on its nuclear sites.
Iran Strikes US Bases
Iranian state media reported the launch of Operation "Bisharat al-Fatah" against US bases in Qatar, Iraq, and Gulf states.
Iranian state television stated that Tehran had launched a "strong" response to the "US aggression," as Iran targeted US bases in Qatar with six missiles.
Tasnim News Agency reported that "Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the headquarters of the Air Force and the largest strategic asset of the US military in the West Asia region, was subjected to an Iranian missile attack."
Explosions Heard in the Sky over Doha
In turn, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard officially confirmed the "retaliatory missile attack on the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar."
According to eyewitnesses, explosions were heard across Doha on Monday evening, shortly after Qatar closed its airspace in light of developments in the region following the US strikes on Iran and Tehran's vow to retaliate.
🚨🚨🚨" إيران تقصف قطر بعدد من الصواريخ، لاستهداف القواعد الامريكيه هناك" pic.twitter.com/5FVg85w2TP
— Dr.mehmet canbekli (@Mehmetcanbekli1) June 23, 2025
Explosions were heard in the center of the Qatari capital and in Lusail, north of Doha, while projectiles were seen in the air.
Air defenses activated in Iraq
Circulating images showed Iranian missiles intercepted over US bases in Qatar.
The Qatari Ministry of Defense said: "We intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base."
In Iraq, Reuters reported that air defenses were activated at the Ain al-Asad Air Base in Iraq.
Airspace closed in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar
Military sources confirmed a state of high alert and orders to go to shelters at the Ain al-Asad Air Base.
The UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait also announced the closure of their airspace to protect citizens and residents.
Sources also expect Saudi Arabia to close its airspace within hours as events in the region escalate to protect its citizens and residents.
اللهم احفظ دولة قطر الشقيقة وأهلها من كل شر ومكروه وأحفظنا بحفظك يارب العالمين .#قطر_العديد_الدوحه pic.twitter.com/m95dVPffR0
— Abo Nasser (@alsa_m) June 23, 2025