Iran retaliates after US backs Israeli campaign, missile strikes target major American base in Qatar

TEHRAN, June 24 — Iran announced it had launched missile strikes targeting a US military base in Qatar on Monday, in retaliation for American airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites. US President Donald Trump downplayed Tehran’s response, calling it “very weak” and signaling it was time to pursue peace.

A US defence official confirmed no injuries were reported in the attack, which Trump said Iran had given prior warning about. Oil prices dropped sharply following the strike, with analysts describing the response as “measured,” easing immediate fears of wider escalation.

Qatar, located just 190 kilometres south of Iran and host to the largest US military base in the Middle East, confirmed that its air defences intercepted missiles aimed at Al Udeid Air Base.

Iran’s National Security Council said the missile barrage was a direct response to recent US strikes on its nuclear infrastructure, stressing that the number of missiles used matched the number of bombs dropped by the US, signalling a proportional counterattack.

The US had joined Israel’s ongoing campaign against Iran over the weekend, targeting three major nuclear sites, including the fortified Fordo uranium enrichment facility, using bunker-busting bombs.

Reacting to the Iranian retaliation, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Iran has officially responded... with a very weak response, which we expected and countered effectively. Thank you to Iran for the advance notice – no lives lost.” He added that perhaps it was now time for peace in the region and pledged to encourage Israel to do the same.

According to The New York Times, Iranian sources indicated the attack was calibrated to offer “an exit ramp” for all sides — reminiscent of Iran’s 2020 missile response to the US assassination of General Qassem Soleimani.

As concerns mount over the risk of regional escalation, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an end to the “spiral of chaos” following the latest exchange of strikes.

Qatar vows proportional response

While Iran insisted the missile strike posed no threat to “friendly and brotherly” Qatar, the Qatari foreign ministry condemned the attack. Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated that Qatar “reserves the right to respond proportionally” to what it called blatant aggression.

Neighbouring Saudi Arabia also condemned the strikes and pledged to support Qatar in any defensive measures it undertakes.

Loud explosions were heard in central Doha and Lusail, with observers spotting missiles streaking through the night sky. US and Qatari officials confirmed the missiles included short- and medium-range types. The base had been evacuated in advance.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the attack, reporting six missiles struck the facility. Footage on Iranian state TV showed crowds gathering in central Tehran, waving flags and chanting “Death to America” in celebration.

Earlier, Qatar had temporarily closed its airspace, citing regional security concerns, and foreign embassies, including the US mission, advised citizens to shelter in place. Later, authorities confirmed the situation was stable and under control.

Ongoing conflict

The missile launch coincided with fresh blasts in northern Tehran, believed to be from Iranian air defences responding to ongoing Israeli airstrikes — described as their most forceful to date. Iran, in turn, launched missile barrages toward Israel.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said targets hit in Tehran included Evin Prison, Basij paramilitary facilities, and Revolutionary Guard command centres. Israeli forces also reportedly struck access routes to the Fordo nuclear facility.

Iran’s Health Ministry reported over 400 deaths from Israeli strikes, while Iranian attacks on Israel have killed 24, according to official figures.

Global calls for restraint

China urged both Iran and Israel to de-escalate, warning of broader economic fallout.

Oil prices reflected the volatile outlook, dropping sharply after the Iranian response. By 1815 GMT, West Texas Intermediate futures fell 6.5% to US$69.96 a barrel, while Brent crude dropped 6.4% to US$72.07.

Analyst John Kilduff of Again Capital noted the Iranian strike was “somewhat measured” and suggested it might open a diplomatic pathway. “This is a face-saving move... hopefully, diplomacy will prevail,” he said.

Despite earlier Pentagon statements distancing itself from any intent to topple Iran’s government, Trump reignited speculation about regime change on Sunday, posting: “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” — AFP