Iran/Qatar – Iran targeted a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday in an apparent response to U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities days earlier as tensions soared over the potential for a spiraling Mideast conflict.
Iran’s military claimed it had carried out a “devastating and powerful” missile attack on the Al Udeid U.S. military base in Doha. But Qatar said there were no casualties from the attack. Qatari officials said the nation reserves the right to respond directly and in accordance with international law after Iran struck the base.
The White House and the Department of Defense were aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to the base, a senior White House official not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY.
Majed Al Ansari, foreign affairs spokesman for Qatar, issued a strong condemnation of the strike. “We reassure that Qatar’s air defenses successfully thwarted the attack and intercepted the Iranian missiles,” the statement said.
The U.S. Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq had also activated its air defense system out of concern of a potential attack, military officials told Reuters.
The reports come as Israel stepped up airstrikes on Iran on Monday, hitting several locations the Israeli defense minister described as “regime targets” in Tehran, including the notorious Evin Prison and the internal security headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
The U.S. has remained on alert with its 40,000 troops in the region two days after President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of Fordow, a uranium enrichment facility deep inside a remote mountain in Iran, and facilities at Natanz and Isfahan.
Many world leaders − including those from the UK, France and Germany − called for restraint and a return to the diplomatic table. And protesters in some U.S. cities such as the nation’s capital and New York took to the streets to voice ardent opposition to intervention in Iran.
The extent of the damage to the Iran nuclear sites remains a question mark since there has so far been no independent assessment. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which is the main agency that assesses Iran’s nuclear program, was holding an emergency meeting Monday.
Contributing: Francesca Chambers
Developments:
∎ Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Iran’s foreign minister in Moscow and told him there was no justification for the U.S. bombing of Iran, which he described as “unprovoked aggression,” according to the Kremlin. Putin added that Moscow is making efforts to assist the Iranian people.
∎ Iranian official Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned that the U.S. should expect severe consequences. “Mr. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” Zolfaqari said in English in a video shared Monday.
Trump warns other countries not to supply nukes to Iran
Trump warned other countries Mondays not to supply nuclear weapons to Iran in response to U.S. bombing, after a former Russian president suggested the option.
“The ‘N word’ should not be treated so casually,” Trump said in a social media post, referring to nuclear weapons.Trump was referring to a social media post by Dmitry Medvedev, the former president of Russia, but questioned its accuracy. Medvedev’s post suggested “a number of countries are ready to directly support Iran with their own nuclear warheads.”−Bart Jansen
Stocks waver but regain footing
Stocks wavered but quickly moved back into positive ground after Iran said it attacked a U.S. military base.
Around 1:31 p.m. ET, the blue-chip Dow added 0.48%, or 203.17 points, to 42,409.99; the broad S&P 500 gained 0.65%, or 38.99 points, to 6,006.83; and the tech-laden Nasdaq rose 0.77% or 150.01 points, to 19,597.42.
Oil prices initially rose on reports of the explosions but dropped again as analysts said oil supplies remained safe. Oil was last down 4.97% at $70.17 per barrel.
− Medora Lee
Israel flags Tehran residents: More strikes to come
The Israeli military released an urgent warning to residents in Tehran urging them to stay away from “security institutions” as they plan to continue pounding the capital city with airstrikes.
“Dear citizens of Tehran, In the coming days, the Israeli army will continue its attacks against military targets in the Tehran region,” read the statement posed Monday on X. “To maintain your personal safety, we ask you to stay away from weapons production centers, military bases, and security institutions affiliated with the regime.”
Tehran is one of the largest cities in the Middle East and is home to an estimated 9.5 million people. On Monday, Israel launched several strikes on the city, hitting near Evin Prison and several command and security operations centers.
No U.S. forces present at Syrian military base reportedly attacked.
By Damilola Adeleke | June 23, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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