'Nothing To Do With Doha': Iran Says Missile Strike On US Base In Qatar Was Act Of ‘Self-Defense’

Last Updated:June 24, 2025, 17:14 IST

The missile strikes came after US air raids on three major Iranian nuclear facilities- Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan- conducted on June 22.

The remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar, as it lies on a pavement. (AFP)

Iran said that its recent missile strike on the US military base at Al-Udeid in Qatar was a legitimate act of self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The strike, which targeted the largest US military installation in the Middle East, came in response to airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), said the missile launch was a direct response to what Tehran described as “unprovoked aggression" against its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“Iran’s military strikes on the American military base ‘Al-Udeid’ were in exercise of our self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter," Esmaeil Baqaei said, adding, “This act of self-defence had nothing to do with our friendly neighbour Qatar, as we enjoy excellent and deeply rooted relationships."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also spoke with Qatar’s Emir, reaffirming that the missile launch was not a hostile act toward Qatar but a targeted retaliation against US involvement in Israeli military operations.

“Iran is not like Gaza, Lebanon, or Syria- places that can be destabilized with a few attacks," Masoud Pezeshkian said, adding, “The Iranian people will stand firm and defend their legitimate rights."

The missile strikes came after US air raids on three major Iranian nuclear facilities- Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan- conducted on June 22. Iran also launched missiles targeting US military positions in Iraq, further heightening tensions. While denying any intention to escalate beyond self-defence, Iran made clear it remains ready to retaliate against further aggression.

In a statement issued by the Supreme National Security Council, Iran claimed that its military actions had compelled an operational pause and projected strength.

“Iran’s forces remain on high alert, with fingers on the trigger, ready to deliver a decisive and regret-inducing response to any act of aggression," the council said, adding that the response was a “divine gift" that had resulted in “victory and triumph that compelled the enemy to regret, accept defeat, and unilaterally halt its aggression."

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News world 'Nothing To Do With Doha': Iran Says Missile Strike On US Base In Qatar Was Act Of ‘Self-Defense’