Doha, 23 June 2025

Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted 18 powerful Iranian missiles launched this evening toward Al Udeid Air Base, the second-largest US air base outside the United States and the forward headquarters of US Central Command near Doha. The attack came in retaliation for US airstrikes late Sunday on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan, and followed an Iranian attack on the Ain Al‑Asad base in western Iraq.

The United States responded by mobilizing seven B‑2 Spirit stealth bombers in what General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, called 'the largest B‑2 operational strike in US history'. These aircraft dropped 14 GBU‑57 bunker‑buster bombs on Fordo and Natanz, causing 'extremely severe damage', according to US military sources.

Meanwhile, late Night US President Trump announced that Israel and Iran have agreed to a 'complete and total' ceasefire, which he said will end the more than weeklong conflict between the two nations.

He said that the ceasefire is set to take effect in about six hours, and after 12 hours, the 'war will be considered ENDED', Trump announced on Truth Social, indicating it would begin at midnight ET. 'Iran will officially initiate the CEASEFIRE, and upon the 12th hour, Israel will do the same. At the 24th hour, the official end of the 12-day war will be celebrated by the world'. the president stated.

So far, neither Israel nor Iran has issued any official confirmation about the agreement. The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, killing several top Iranian military leaders. Iran responded with counterattacks against Israel, intensifying the hostilities.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that its air defense forces neutralized all 18 missiles targeting Al Udeid, with no casualties or damage reported. The base had been evacuated prior to the attack, and precautionary measures were implemented to protect personnel and equipment. Iran had also informed Qatar of the pending attack, for which US President Donald Trump expressed thanks to Tehran.

Iranian state media announced that the missile strikes were part of 'Operation Bashayer Al‑Fath' (Annunciation of Victory). The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, stating, 'Iran will not leave any aggression against its sovereignty and land unanswered'. Meanwhile, the US air campaign, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer', targeted three Iranian nuclear sites using GBU‑57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators and Tomahawk missiles.

Qatar strongly condemned the attack as a 'flagrant violation of its sovereignty and airspace' and announced its right to respond in line with international law. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized its commitment to the safety and security of its citizens and residents, confirming that authorities were closely monitoring the situation and consulting international partners.

As a precaution, Qatar temporarily suspended air navigation in its airspace, lifting the restriction by midnight. The national carrier, Qatar Airways, announced a temporary suspension of flights until airspace reopened, and stated that it was supporting affected passengers and prioritizing the safety of its crews and customers.

Qatari authorities reassured the public that the security situation remained stable, reaffirming their commitment to de‑escalation and regional stability. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also clarified that any advisories issued by embassies were routine precautions and not indicative of an imminent threat.

In its statement, Iran announced that it had targeted Al Udeid Air Base, describing it as 'the command center of the US Air Force and the largest strategic asset of the American terrorist army in West Asia'. Tehran emphasized that the missile strikes were conducted away from residential areas within Qatar. According to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, 'This action does not present any threat to the friendly and brotherly state of Qatar or its noble people. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to preserving and strengthening its warm and historic relations with Qatar'.