Iran Retaliates With Missile Strike on U.S. Base

4 hours ago

3638 posts

Iran Retaliates With Missile Strike on U.S. Base \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar in retaliation for strikes on its nuclear sites. Israel expanded its offensive to symbolic government targets in Tehran, escalating tensions. U.S. and Qatar confirmed no casualties; Iran hinted at de-escalation but continued attacks on Israel.

Quick Looks

Iran launches missiles at Al Udeid Base in Qatar, matching U.S. bombing toll.
Qatar intercepts missiles, condemns attack as a violation of sovereignty.
No U.S. casualties reported, but tensions remain high.
Iran claims limited retaliation, signaling readiness to de-escalate.
Israel strikes symbolic sites in Tehran, including Evin prison and military HQ.
U.S. confirms no attack on Ain al-Assad base in Iraq, despite reports.
President Trump hints at regime change, intensifying rhetoric.
Iran continues assault on Israel, targets Tel Aviv and Haifa.
UN nuclear chief warns of serious damage at Fordo enrichment site.
Russia condemns Israeli and U.S. strikes as unprovoked aggression.

Deep Look

The volatile conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States entered a dangerous new phase Monday as Iran launched a limited missile strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar. The attack came in retaliation for the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites using massive bunker-buster bombs just one day earlier. Although the missiles were intercepted and caused no casualties, the incident marks a pivotal moment in a conflict that could easily spiral into a wider regional war.

Iran Targets Al Udeid Base in Qatar

Iranian state television confirmed that the missile strike was conducted by the Revolutionary Guards and targeted the Al Udeid Air Base, home to the Combined Air Operations Center and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, both critical to U.S. military strategy in the region. The strike was carefully calibrated, according to Tehran, to avoid civilian areas and to mirror the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. over the weekend.

Despite the retaliatory nature of the strike, Iranian officials framed the attack as a controlled response designed to prevent further escalation. State television aired martial music during the announcement, branding it “a mighty and successful response to America’s aggression.”

President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on social media shortly before the explosions, stating: “We neither initiated the war nor are seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”

Qatar, a close U.S. ally, swiftly condemned the attack as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law, but confirmed that its air defense systems successfully intercepted the ballistic missiles.

Conflicting Reports of Additional Missile Activity

There were initial reports from Iraq that missiles had also been launched toward the Ain al-Assad base, which hosts U.S. troops in western Iraq. However, U.S. military officials later confirmed no attack had taken place there, clarifying that the missiles never reached Iraqi territory.

Israel Expands Military Campaign

While Iran signaled interest in preventing escalation with the U.S., Israel expanded its military operations deep into symbolic Iranian territory. On Monday, Israeli forces struck the gate of Tehran’s Evin prison — a facility infamous for housing political prisoners and dual nationals — and targeted the headquarters of the Iranian military forces responsible for suppressing domestic protests.

Israeli officials claimed their operations were focused on “regime targets and government repression bodies” and emphasized that they were not pursuing regime change. Nonetheless, Israeli Defense Ministry statements made clear that Iran’s leadership would face “full force” repercussions for attacks on Israeli soil.

Heavy plumes of smoke were seen rising over Tehran, and explosions were heard across the city. Iranian internet access remained heavily restricted, limiting outside visibility into the full extent of damage or casualties.

Trump Raises Possibility of Regime Change

In a provocative post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump questioned whether regime change might be necessary, asking, “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???” The White House tried to downplay the statement, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying Trump was merely “raising a question,” but Tehran interpreted the comment as a serious threat, deepening diplomatic tensions.

International Concern and Nuclear Safety Fears

Global nuclear watchdogs expressed concern about the potential fallout from the U.S. strike on Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment site. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told the agency’s board that Iran had informed them it had moved nuclear materials from certain sites as a protective measure.

Grossi also stressed that such movements must be declared under international safeguards. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization insisted the nuclear program remains protected, despite the airstrikes.

The Fordo facility, heavily fortified and buried deep underground, was one of three nuclear sites hit by U.S. stealth bombers using 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs — a rare and dramatic display of American military capability.

Iran Keeps Pressure on Israel

Iran did not stop with its strike on the U.S. base. It launched another round of missiles toward Israel, naming the new wave “Operation True Promise 3.” Iranian state media reported that missiles targeted major cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, with explosions also heard in Jerusalem.

While no casualties were immediately reported in Israel from the latest barrage, the ongoing missile fire has pushed civilian life in both countries into a sustained state of emergency. Israeli authorities have confirmed at least 24 civilian deaths and over 1,000 injuries. Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based group monitoring events in Iran, reported over 950 Iranian deaths and more than 3,400 injuries, including both civilians and security personnel.

Regional Diplomacy and Russian Response

Russia, a key Iranian ally, condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes. After a meeting in Moscow with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Vladimir Putin described the airstrikes as “absolutely unprovoked aggression.” He emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions and said Russia was exploring options to help de-escalate the conflict.

Meanwhile, Turkey and other nations in the region have urged both sides to cease hostilities and return to negotiation tables. However, with airstrikes intensifying and rhetoric escalating, there’s little indication that any party is prepared to step back just yet.