Breaking News: Iran attacks US military base with missiles

Tensions soared this lunes after a missile attack launched by Iran against a US military base.

According to the Reuters agency, in the Qatari capital, Doha,cucThey fired loud explosions amidst the closure of airspace and urgent recommendations from the US and UK embassies for their citizens to take immediate shelter.

The attack comes at a time of heightened regional pressure, following the United States' bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday night.

Explosions also in Iraq

As the missiles hit Qatari territory, air defense systems at the US base in Ain al-Asad, Iraq, were activated in anticipation of a possible attack. According to an official quoted by the Israeli newspaper HaaretzIran reportedly launched six missiles at the base in Qatar and another at a military facility in Iraq.

The United States maintains a presence at several bases in the region, including Ain al-Asad in Anbar province and Erbil in northern Iraq, both of which are critical to NATO's mission and support for local forces.

Response to previous attacks

This new episode escalates the conflict following the US offensive against three Iranian nuclear reactors. Memories of the 2020 Iranian attack on Ain al-Assad, in retaliation for the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani, are once again present.

So far, neither the Qatari authorities nor the US forces have provided an official assessment of damage or casualties. Images released by local media show plumes of smoke near military installations.

Growing tension and regional risk

The recent clashes increase the risk of an open escalation in the Persian Gulf, where both Qatar and Iraq host strategic US military forces. The Erbil Air Base in Iraqi Kurdistan has also strengthened its security measures.

The situation is developing rapidly as official statements from Washington and Tehran are awaited.