Iran Launches Missile Attack on US Base in Qatar

Explosions erupted Monday night in Qatar, home to a major U.S. air base, shortly after the country closed its airspace amid Iranian threats of retaliation for American airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing missiles streaking across the sky. However, Qatari authorities made no immediate statement about the blasts. Iran also offered no official confirmation, though President Masoud Pezeshkian posted just prior to the explosions: “We neither initiated the war nor seek it. But we will not leave an invasion of great Iran unanswered.”

Tensions have soared following the U.S. stealth bomber assault on three Iranian nuclear sites early Sunday, which Tehran called a breach of sovereignty. In response, Qatar closed its airspace, fearing further escalation.

Earlier on Monday, Israel intensified its military campaign against Iran, targeting symbolic sites in Tehran, including Evin prison — known for detaining political activists — and the headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary forces. Israel said these strikes were aimed at the regime's repressive arms, not at regime change.

The Israeli military warned of continued strikes in the coming days, while Iran, under a near-total internet shutdown, has struggled to communicate with the outside world.

President Donald Trump, who ordered the strikes, hinted at a regime change in Iran on his social media, asking, “If the current Iranian regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a regime change???” The White House later clarified that he was “raising a question,” not issuing a threat.

Iranian military leaders warned Washington that the strikes had given them a "free hand" to retaliate against U.S. troops or interests in the region. Tens of thousands of American troops are stationed across the Middle East — many within range of Iranian missiles.

Meanwhile, Iran launched its third wave of missile attacks under “Operation True Promise,” reportedly targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, but no casualties were reported.

The Israeli military confirmed strikes near Iran’s Fordo enrichment facility to block access, following the U.S. attack on that and two other nuclear sites using bunker-buster bombs. Iran claims it had moved nuclear material from the sites in advance.

According to rights groups, Israeli strikes in Iran have killed at least 950 people and wounded over 3,400, including civilians and security forces.

Russia condemned the U.S. and Israeli strikes as “unprovoked aggression.” President Vladimir Putin, after meeting Iran’s foreign minister, said they were discussing ways to de-escalate the crisis.

With regional tensions at a breaking point, the risk of a broader war looms large, with Iran vowing not to negotiate and threatening direct retaliation against U.S. and Israeli targets.