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- Qatar confirms interception of incoming missiles.
- No casualties reported; US base had been evacuated earlier, says official.
- Spokesperson stresses dialogue is the only solution to the ongoing crisis.
DOHA: Qatar condemned Iran’s missile attack on the Al Udeid base, the largest American military installation in the region, labeling it a “serious violation” of its sovereignty and international law. The country has asserted its right to respond accordingly.
Majed Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, stated, “The State of Qatar possesses the right to react in a manner that is proportional to the severity of this blatant aggression, following international legal standards.”
Described by Iran’s military as a “devastating and powerful” strike, this action signifies a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Iran’s attack follows threats from Tehran to retaliate against recent US airstrikes targeting its underground nuclear sites in Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz, which involved the use of 30,000-pound bunker buster bombs. The US joined forces with Israel in an escalating military campaign against Iran after citing a breach of international nuclear agreements.
According to Qatar’s defense minister, reported by Al Jazeera TV, its air defense systems successfully intercepted missiles aimed at the Al Udeid airbase. Authorities confirmed that no casualties occurred, as the base had been evacuated under enhanced security measures earlier.
Iran’s National Security Council acknowledged the attack on the significant US military base in Qatar as retaliation for US hostility, assuring that the actions posed no threat to its Gulf neighbor.
“In retaliation for the US’s aggressive actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities, our armed forces targeted the US base at Al Udeid just hours ago,” stated the council.
The council also mentioned that the number of missiles used corresponded to the number of bombs employed by the US in its strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, stating, “This action does not threaten our friendly and brotherly nation, Qatar.”
This missile strike followed reports from a Western diplomat indicating a credible threat to a US military base in Qatar after the US airstrikes on Iran.
Additionally, the US Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq activated its air defenses in response to concerns over potential attacks, military sources noted.
The White House and Defense Department are monitoring the situation closely, according to a senior official in Washington.
Two US officials confirmed to Reuters that no American personnel were harmed during the Iranian attack, which involved short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles.
Recently, Qatar, a small but affluent Gulf Arab nation, temporarily closed its airspace to safeguard residents and visitors, following a warning from the US embassy advising Americans to shelter in place as a precaution.
Officials from the US indicated that they believe Iran could carry out attacks targeting American forces in the Middle East soon, although the US is still pursuing diplomatic solutions to prevent any retaliation.
Earlier on the same day, Israel conducted an airstrike on a political prisoners’ facility in Tehran, signaling an escalation in its targets beyond military installations, aiming directly at the foundations of Iran’s governing system.
Despite Iran’s threats to disrupt oil shipments from the Gulf, oil prices remained stable, suggesting traders were skeptical about the Islamic Republic’s willingness to act in a way that would upset global supplies.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, seeking support from one of its remaining major allies for its forthcoming actions.
‘Blatant Aggression’
Spokesperson Al-Ansari reiterated that Qatar “maintains the right to respond directly in a manner that corresponds to the nature and extent of this blatant aggression, adhering to international law.”
He added, “We also stress that the continued execution of such aggressive military actions will jeopardize security and stability in the region, potentially leading to outcomes that could have dire implications for global peace and safety.”
The spokesperson called for an immediate cessation of all military actions and a sincere return to diplomacy and dialogue initiatives.
Furthermore, he pointed out that Qatar was among the first nations to alert the international community about the risks associated with Israeli military actions in the region. “We have consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions and emphasized the need for neighborly relations that prioritize avoiding escalation,” he noted.
“We affirm that dialogue is the only method to address current crises and ensure the safety and peace of the region’s people.”
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