In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Iran launched missile strikes against a major U.S. military base in Qatar, the Al-Udeid Air Base, on June 23. This action was described as retaliation for earlier U.S. bomb attacks on three of Iran's nuclear facilities located at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, which occurred on June 21. The U.S. operations marked an explicit intervention into Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iran, a move that carried the potential to ignite a wider international crisis.

During the Iranian missile attack, explosions were observed in the skies above Doha as Qatar's air defense systems successfully intercepted the incoming short- and medium-range ballistic weapons. Qatari officials condemned the assault as “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, airspace, and international law.” Prior to the strikes, Qatar was compelled to close its airspace, leading to the diversion of numerous passenger jets away from the busy Hamad International Airport in Doha. Despite the intensity of the event, both Qatari and U.S. officials confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported, largely due to the successful interception of 13 out of 14 missiles fired, with one deemed non-threatening. Iran reportedly coordinated these strikes with Qatari officials, an apparent effort to minimize casualties.

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the situation on Truth Social, characterizing Iran's