Iran Strikes US Bases in Qatar, Iraq in Retaliation for Nuclear Site Bombings

Putin Assures Araghchi of Moscow's Backing in De-escalating Iran-Israel Conflict

- ASSOCIATED PRESS

DUBAI: Tehran retaliated on Monday night with missile strikes against US military installations in Iraq and Qatar, targeting Al Udeid Air Base and Ain al-Asad Base in response to American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities a day earlier. The move marked a sharp escalation in hostilities in a region already roiled by conflict.

Residents of Doha, Qatar's capital, witnessed interceptor missiles streaking through the sky before explosions lit up the horizon. Iran's state television confirmed the strikes on the US base in Qatar, calling it a "mighty and successful response to America's aggression" as patriotic music accompanied the announcement.

Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace was now safe.

Iran said the attack in Qatar matched the number of bombs dropped by the United States on its nuclear sites this weekend, signaling its likely desire to de-escalate. Iran also said it targeted the base because it was outside of populated areas.

An Iraqi security official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, confirmed The attacks came just hours after Qatar preemptively closed its airspace, citing threats from Tehran.

The Iranian response came a day after the United States launched airstrikes on three key nuclear sites in Iran, including the Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities, using advanced bunker-buster bombs. President Donald Trump had ordered the strikes, describing them as a preemptive move to cripple Iran's nuclear capabilities.

In the wake of the US strikes, Iran's military chief Gen.

Abdolrahim Mousavi warned Washington that its actions had given Iran a "free hand" to act against American interests. "Any future moves will be met with a broader response," Mousavi was quoted as saying by the IRNA news agency.