Why Iran Launched Missiles At Doha In Qatar? Airspace Closed After Attack

Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 23:26 IST

The attacks came shortly after Qatar -- home to the largest base of the US in the region -- closed its airspace as a precaution amid threats from Iran

People film projectiles over Doha in Qatar on June 23. (Image: AFP)

After vowing to take “firm action" in response to US strikes on key nuclear sites, Iran launched missiles on Qatar on Monday.

The attacks came shortly after Qatar closed its airspace as a precaution amid threats from Iran. It is known that Qatar is home to the largest base of the US in the region.

The American embassy told its citizens to “shelter in place until further notice". “The competent authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country’s airspace, as part of a set of precautionary measures taken based on developments in the region," the foreign ministry said.

Iran announced on state television that it attacked American forces stationed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base. A caption on screen called it “a mighty and successful response" to “America’s aggression" as martial music played.

There were numerous reports of explosions over Doha as people in the capital stopped and looked up. Missiles flew and interceptors fired and struck at least one in the night sky, according to The Associated Press.

WHAT DID IRAN SAY?

Iran justified its attacks on Qatar saying while it does not pose any threat to its “friendly and brotherly country", this was a retaliation for American strikes. Hence, it said, it targeted a major US military base.

“In response to the US aggressive and insolent action against Iran’s nuclear sites and facilities, a few hours ago, the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran struck the US air base in Al-Udeid, Qatar," Iran’s National Security Council said in a statement, adding that the number of missiles used “was the same as the number of bombs that the US had used in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities".

It added: “This action does not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar."

(With agency inputs)

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Doha, Qatar

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