đ¨ Iran Fires Missiles at US Bases in Qatar and Iraq in Escalation After US Strikes Nuclear Sites
By USA NEWS TODAY International News Desk
Published: June 23, 2025 | Updated: 11:35 PM (GMT+6)
In a significant escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran launched missile strikes on U.S. military bases in both Qatar and Iraq on Monday, responding to the United States’ recent bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities.
đŽđˇ Iranian Response: “A Mighty and Successful Reply”
Iran’s state television broadcast news of the missile launches with martial music and patriotic captions calling the attack “a mighty and successful response” to “America’s aggression.” The strikes were reportedly intended to mirror the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. over the weekend — a possible signal that Tehran is seeking to retaliate in proportion and then de-escalate.
đĄ️ Qatar Intercepts Missiles, No Casualties Reported
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that its forces intercepted the missiles targeting Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and headquarters of U.S. CENTCOM’s air operations. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and officials declared the country’s airspace safe after the incident.
However, Qatar strongly condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law, calling out Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for the aggression.
đŽđļ Attack Also Hits U.S. Base in Iraq
Simultaneously, Iran launched missiles at the Ain al-Assad airbase in western Iraq, which also houses U.S. forces. An Iraqi security source confirmed the strike to the Associated Press but said there was no immediate information on casualties or damage.
đŖ Background: US Strikes Ignite Broader Conflict
The Iranian missile attacks follow a U.S. stealth bomber assault on three Iranian nuclear enrichment sites over the weekend — an operation widely seen as a turning point in the broader Israel-Iran conflict.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had issued a warning just hours before the strike, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“We neither initiated the war nor seek it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
đŽđą Israel Strikes Continue in Tehran
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its military campaign, now targeting symbolic and governmental sites in Tehran, including the Evin Prison—notorious for housing political dissidents—and the headquarters of Iran’s repression forces. Israeli officials say their goal is to weaken the Islamic Republic’s hold, not to seek full regime change.
Thick plumes of smoke now rise over the Iranian capital as missiles and drones continue to fly between both nations. Iranian civilians are suffering through near-constant air raid alerts, while Israelis take shelter in metro stations and bomb shelters as air-raid sirens blare across cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa.
đ Global Ramifications and Trump’s Comments
The situation has triggered global concern over wider conflict in the region, especially as former U.S. President Donald Trump, who ordered the initial strikes, hinted at regime change in Iran in a Truth Social post:
“If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???”
His comments added fuel to Tehran’s fury. Iranian officials have made it clear: no further negotiations will be considered, and direct retaliation against U.S. interests in the region remains a threat.
đĄ Internet Blackout in Iran
As the battle rages on, internet access has been severely disrupted across Iran, with authorities apparently restricting communications to control the domestic narrative. Many Iranians are cut off from international news, while Israeli military statements continue to appear on global platforms.
đ What’s Next?
- U.S. troops in the region—numbering around 40,000—are on high alert.
- Qatar and Iraq are urging restraint and dialogue, fearing their territory will become a long-term battleground.
- Israel warns of more strikes on Tehran in the coming days.
- World leaders are calling for immediate de-escalation to avoid a regional war involving multiple states.
