Iran launched seven missiles at U.S. military targets in the Middle East late Monday, according to an Israeli official and an Arab source reported by Axios. Six were aimed at Qatar, while one targeted Iraq. The attack marks Tehran’s first direct response to Saturday’s U.S. strike on three Iranian nuclear facilities.
Explosions were heard Monday night near Doha, Qatar’s capital. Several hours earlier, Qatari authorities had temporarily closed the country’s airspace. The foreign ministry said the move was part of “precautionary measures” tied to escalating regional tensions.
“The White House and the Department of Defense are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar,” a senior Trump administration official told Axios. Al Udeid is the largest U.S. military installation in the Gulf. In recent weeks, the U.S. had already begun relocating some aircraft and personnel from the site.
Earlier in the day, President Trump convened an emergency meeting with his national security team at the White House. He warned that any retaliation “will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed” during the weekend’s strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The missile fired at Iraq was intended for an unspecified U.S. base, according to the Israeli official. While it caused no reported casualties, it signaled the possibility of a broader escalation as the conflict spills beyond Israel and Iran.
In a video statement released by Iran’s military, a spokesperson said there would be “heavy consequences” for the American operation. “The U.S. decision to enter the war expands the scope of legitimate targets,” the spokesperson declared. Addressing the president directly, he added: “Mr. Trump, the gambler: You may have started this war, but we will be the ones to end it.”
On Monday, the U.S., the U.K., and China advised their citizens in Qatar to shelter in place.
