On June 23, 2025, Iran launched missile attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq, calling the operation Basharat al-Fatah (Tidings of Victory). According to Reuters and Axios, about 10 ballistic missiles were fired at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. installation in the Middle East, where about 10 troops are stationed and the headquarters of the Central Command (CENTCOM). Another missile was believed to have targeted the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attack was in response to the “blatant military aggression of the criminal United States regime” against Iran’s nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22, as well as Israeli strikes on six Iranian airfields on June 23. "Al-Udeid is the largest strategic asset of the US terrorist army in West Asia," Iranian state television IRIB emphasized.

Doha residents reported explosions and flashes in the sky, which Al Jazeera reported were caused by Qatari air defense systems intercepting the missiles. Qatar’s Defense Ministry said the base had been partially evacuated in advance and that air defenses had successfully repelled the strike, preventing casualties and damage. Qatar condemned Iran for “violating sovereignty” and reserved the right to “a direct response in accordance with international law,” calling for de-escalation. Qatari airspace has been closed until June 26, with airlines rerouting flights.

US media, including CNN, reported that US President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kaine were in the White House Situation Room coordinating a response to the attack. The Pentagon has not yet released details of the aftermath, but Hegseth said the US was prepared for a “strong response” to any further Iranian action. Trump had previously called the strikes on Iran a “stunning success,” claiming that Tehran’s nuclear program had been destroyed using 14 GBU-57 bunker buster bombs and 20 Tomahawk missiles, though Iran has denied the facilities were completely destroyed.

The attack followed a series of incidents: On the morning of June 23, a U.S. base in Hasakah, Syria, was hit by mortar shells, and alarms sounded at U.S. bases in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the region. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran is moving missile launchers for possible strikes on other U.S. bases, including facilities in the UAE. The New York Times clarified that U.S. intelligence has recorded Iranian proxies preparing for attacks in Iraq and Syria.

The international community is expressing alarm. Russia and China have condemned the actions of the US and Israel, calling them a violation of the UN Charter. Russia's Permanent Representative Vasily Nebenzya said the attacks "opened a Pandora's box," while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for diplomacy, warning of a "vicious circle of retaliation." North Korea has offered Iran help in restoring missile sites.