Missile strike triggers chaos in Qatari capital, air defense systems activated; Iran says attack is retaliation for U.S. bombing of nuclear sites
Doha, June 23, 2025 – Panic swept through a bustling mall in the heart of Doha, Qatar’s capital, as sirens wailed and explosions echoed across the city on Monday night following an Iranian missile strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base.
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Videos from inside the mall showed scenes of chaos, with women, children, and men running toward exits in terror as the capital’s air defense systems were activated. The missile strike, carried out by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, was in retaliation for the U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
The panic of Qatari citizens at the moment of the attack in a Doha mall. pic.twitter.com/HZCYRi8jZN
— Brian’s Breaking News and Intel (@intelFromBrian) June 23, 2025
What Happened:
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- Target: The Al-Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha and housing over 10,000 American troops, was the primary target.
- Impact: Iran claims the number of missiles used matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S. on Iran’s nuclear sites, aiming to deliver a proportionate response.
- Statement: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council emphasized that the strike targeted non-residential zones to minimize civilian harm.
“The era of hit and run is over,” declared a spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces. - Qatar’s Response: The Qatari government condemned the attack, calling it a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty and international law.
Geopolitical Context:
- The Al-Udeid base serves as a crucial node for U.S. operations in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. It houses nearly 100 aircraft and supports both manned and unmanned missions.
- Iran’s strike has led to temporary airspace closures over Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE, disrupting regional air traffic.
- President Donald Trump is monitoring the situation from the White House Situation Room as tensions risk escalating despite a ceasefire announcement being under discussion.
Tags:
Iran missile strike, Al-Udeid air base, Doha mall panic, Qatar attack, Iran retaliation, US Iran conflict, Revolutionary Guard, Middle East tensions, air defense Doha, US Central Command, Qatar sovereignty violation, Donald Trump, Iran nuclear sites, Gulf crisis, international law violation