No Iranian Missiles Hit US Airbase In Qatar, Tensions Ease After Retaliatory Strike.
In a significant development amid heightened Middle East tensions, no Iranian missiles struck the US military’s Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar during a retaliatory attack on Monday, 23 June 2025, a US official has confirmed to Reuters. The news has brought a sense of relief to the region, with oil prices falling and hopes rising for de-escalation following Iran’s response to US strikes on its nuclear facilities.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what it described as a “devastating and powerful” missile attack, dubbed “Annunciation of Victory,” targeting Al Udeid Airbase, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. The strike was in retaliation for US B-2 bomber attacks on three Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. However, Qatari air defences successfully intercepted all missiles, and no casualties or damage were reported at the base, which houses around 10,000 US troops.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence credited its air defence systems and pre-emptive measures, including the evacuation of the base, for the successful interception. “The vigilance of our armed forces ensured no injuries or human casualties resulted from the attack,” a ministry spokesperson said. Qatar condemned the strike as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and airspace, reserving the right to respond in accordance with international law.
US President Donald Trump described Iran’s attack as a “very weak response” and thanked Tehran for providing advance warning, which he said prevented any loss of life. “Of the 14 missiles fired, 13 were knocked down, and one was ‘set free’ as it posed no threat,” Trump posted on Truth Social, adding, “Most importantly, they’ve gotten it all out of their system, and there will, hopefully, be no further HATE.” He also expressed gratitude to Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, for efforts to promote regional peace.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated that the attack used the same number of missiles as the US had deployed in its nuclear strikes, signalling a desire to limit escalation. The council emphasised that the operation posed “no threat” to Qatar, describing it as a “friendly and brotherly” neighbour. However, Qatar’s foreign ministry called the attack “surprising,” suggesting it may not have received the advance warning Iran claimed to have provided.
The attack prompted temporary airspace closures across Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, with flights diverted and embassies issuing shelter-in-place advisories. All affected countries have since reopened their airspace, and the US Embassy in Qatar lifted its shelter-in-place order on Monday evening.
Global markets reacted positively, with Brent crude oil prices dropping by up to 7.6% to $71.15 a barrel, as fears of a broader conflict subsided. Analysts noted that Iran’s restrained response, coupled with the lack of damage or casualties, reduced concerns about disruptions to key oil routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar, a key mediator in regional disputes, called for a return to diplomacy, urging all parties to resolve tensions through negotiation. The UK, US, and Russia also issued statements advocating for de-escalation, with Russia’s foreign ministry calling for an end to “provocative actions” in the region.
As the situation stabilises, the focus now shifts to whether the US and Iran will pursue diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation. For now, the successful defence of Al Udeid and the absence of casualties offer a glimmer of hope for peace in a volatile region.
