Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at U.S. Bases in Major Retaliation for Nuclear Site Bombings
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran launched a series of ballistic missile strikes on U.S. military bases in the region on Monday. The strikes came as direct retaliation for the U.S. airstrike over the weekend that reportedly targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
At least ten missiles were fired towards American positions in Qatar, with another missile launched at Iraq, according to Israeli intelligence sources. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council confirmed the operation and stated that the number of missiles launched was exactly equal to the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. during Saturday's strike.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a bold statement, declaring it had carried out a "devastating and powerful missile attack" on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which is one of the most significant U.S. military hubs in the region. The IRGC described the base as "the largest strategic asset of the U.S. terrorist army in West Asia" and warned that any threat to Iran’s sovereignty would be "answered without hesitation."
Despite the aggression, Iran was quick to clarify that the missile strikes were carefully aimed away from populated areas. "This action did not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people," the Iranian National Security Council said.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry responded swiftly, confirming that its air defense systems successfully intercepted the missiles, preventing any casualties or damage. The Qatari government, which has often acted as a diplomatic bridge in the region, strongly condemned the Iranian strike and called for a return to dialogue and de-escalation.
In Iraq, the tension flared further when a U.S. radar system was reportedly struck by an Iranian suicide drone at Camp Taiji near Baghdad late Sunday night. While the extent of damage is still being assessed, this marks a concerning expansion of Iran's retaliatory tactics beyond missile attacks, showcasing the use of precision drones targeting American defense assets.
As missiles rained down, U.S. President Donald Trump convened an emergency meeting at the White House with his top national security advisors, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine. The high-level discussions indicate the seriousness with which Washington is treating the unfolding situation.
President Trump had earlier warned that any act of retaliation from Iran would be met with overwhelming force. With Iran now openly challenging U.S. military dominance in the region, the possibility of further military escalation appears dangerously high.
This volatile series of events is taking place against the backdrop of increasing U.S.-Iran tensions, Israel’s deepening confrontation with Tehran, and fragile regional diplomacy. As the world watches closely, the next steps taken by Washington and Tehran may determine whether this becomes another short-lived flashpoint—or spirals into a broader and more destructive conflict.
