World War III Looms as Iran Fires Missiles at US Bases in Qatar, Iraq

Elizabeth Oluchi 

Tensions in the Middle East soared on Monday as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at American military installations in Qatar and Iraq, in what it described as a direct retaliation for U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities.

At least 10 missiles were fired toward Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest U.S. military base in the region—while another missile targeted the Ain Al Asad base in western Iraq, according to Israeli defense sources quoted by Al-Monitor.

Explosions echoed across Doha as residents reported loud booms overhead, confirmed by international news agencies.

In Iraq, military officials are assessing the extent of any impact at Ain Al Asad.

Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the missile operation, calling it a “powerful and devastating” strike under the code name Blessings of Victory.

The IRGC said the attack sends a “clear and direct message” to Washington: any assault on Iran’s sovereignty will be met with force.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stated that the number of missiles fired matched the munitions used by the U.S. in Sunday’s coordinated airstrikes on three sensitive nuclear sites—Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. 

However, the statement emphasized that Iran did not intend to threaten “friendly nations,” including Qatar.

Qatar, in response, strongly condemned the attack. “The State of Qatar considers this a blatant act of aggression,” said Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry.

He warned that Qatar reserves the right to respond “directly and proportionately.”

Iran’s missiles reportedly targeted Al Udeid Air Base, where over 8,000 U.S. troops are stationed. 

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense confirmed it was closely monitoring the situation.

"A senior White House official said, “Potential threats to American personnel and infrastructure are being taken very seriously.”

Bahrain also issued a public safety alert as regional panic spread. The country, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, activated emergency sirens and advised residents to seek shelter, although it stopped short of confirming whether its territory was hit.

This marks Iran’s most significant military action against U.S. forces since the January 2020 missile strikes following the assassination of IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani.

The fresh escalation follows President Donald Trump’s authorization of airstrikes over the weekend that targeted Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure. 

Tehran labeled those strikes a “major red line breach,” warning of inevitable consequences.

As both nations now stand on the brink of broader confrontation, diplomatic avenues appear frozen. 

Iran has suspended nuclear talks, while Washington signals it will continue to protect its regional allies and interests.

No immediate reports of casualties or damage were available at press time.