In a significant escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran executed a coordinated missile attack against multiple U.S. military bases on Monday, including the sprawling Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and another base in Iraq. This aggressive move is seen as a direct response to President Donald Trump's recent decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites, marking a new peak in the conflict between the two nations.
The Al Udeid Air Base, a pivotal U.S. military installation housing over 10,000 troops and a fleet of over 100 aircraft, activated its air defenses upon detecting the incoming missiles. Several missiles were intercepted, resulting in mid-air explosions and effectively averting damage to the base or harm to personnel. Concurrently, U.S. bases in Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain were also put on high alert as air raid sirens echoed across the region, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Earlier on the day of the attack, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar had issued warnings to its personnel and visitors to take immediate shelter, underscoring the gravitas of the imminent threat. In a precautionary move to safeguard civilians, Qatari authorities temporarily suspended flights over their airspace, according to Trending Politics.
Back in Washington, President Trump gathered his national security team at the White House, placing U.S. forces around the globe on high alert. Intelligence agencies were mobilized to evaluate the situation and prepare for any potential further actions by Iran. Officials confirmed the strategic relocation of numerous aircraft and personnel from vulnerable bases, although some assets remained within reach of Iran's missile capabilities due to the missiles' rapid flight time.
The Iranian government, through various channels, has expressed its readiness to engage in an extended conflict. A senior official boldly declared Iran's preparation for a confrontation lasting up to two years, as reported by the Daily Mail. This resilience was echoed at the United Nations, where Iranian representatives issued a stern warning, holding the U.S., Israel, the U.K., France, and the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency accountable for any civilian casualties that might result from these hostilities.
Iran's military leadership, represented by Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, promised relentless retaliation, stating, "The criminal US must know that... the hands of Islam’s fighters within the armed forces have been freed to take any action against its interests and military, and we will never back down," as per TP.
The missile assault followed a formidable U.S. offensive involving 14 bunker-buster bombs targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. President Trump's use of massive 30,000-pound bombs during Saturday night's strikes provoked a vehement reaction from Iran, accompanied by escalated calls for regime change, which Trump alluded to publicly the next day.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Israeli forces conducted simultaneous attacks on regime facilities in Tehran on Monday. The Daily Mail notes that these strikes resulted in the deaths of "hundreds" of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps members, further inflaming the conflict.
As the crisis unfolds, there is talk of Iran potentially blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for the global oil supply. While analysts acknowledge the possibility of a temporary blockade, they remain skeptical of Iran's ability to sustain such an action.
With several U.S. bases within missile range, American military leaders are maintaining vigilance. Intelligence agencies are continuously monitoring Iran's military movements, aiming to preempt and counter any future threats.
