By Emeka Blast 
IRAN FIRES AT AMERICA MILITARY BASE
On June 23, 2025, Iran launched a coordinated missile strike against the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking its first direct attack on an American installation since 2020. This action—codenamed “Annunciation of Victory” by Iranian state media—was explicitly framed as retaliation for a June 21 U.S. airstrike that targeted three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Explosions were reported near Doha, and both U.S. Central Command and Qatari authorities confirmed the base was the missile salvo’s aim .
According to Qatari and American defense officials, 19 short- and medium-range ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian territory. Qatar’s air defenses, working in concert with U.S. Patriot batteries, intercepted 18 missiles, while one missile reportedly struck a non-critical support building on the base perimeter. No military personnel or civilians were injured, and assessments indicate minimal structural damage only to external facilities .
Tehran had provided advance warning of its intention to strike, enabling defensive preparations by Qatar and U.S. forces. President Trump publicly characterized the attack as “very weak,” thanking Iran for the heads-up and emphasizing his desire to de-escalate the broader Israel–Iran conflict. Meanwhile, the Qatari government condemned the violation of its sovereignty, closed its airspace temporarily, and urged all commercial and private aircraft to reroute or shelter in place. Neighboring Gulf states, including Bahrain and the UAE, similarly closed their airspaces and issued safety advisories to residents and visitors .
