‘Same Number Of Missiles As US Bombs’: Iran On Air Base Attack; Qatar Stresses ‘Right To Respond’

<p>Iran on Monday announced that it launched a retaliatory missile strike on the United States&rsquo; Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, matching the number of projectiles used by Washington in its earlier attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. The move, declared by Iran&rsquo;s National Security Council, appeared to signal a desire to balance the scale of military action.</p>
<p>In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the council said, &ldquo;In response to the US aggressive and insolent action against Iran&rsquo;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,&rdquo; adding that the number of missiles fired &ldquo;was the same as the number of bombs that the US had used in attacking Iran&rsquo;s nuclear facilities&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Iran, however, sought to distance the strike from its Gulf neighbour, stating, &ldquo;This action does not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar.&rdquo;</p>
<h3><strong>Qatar Calls Strike a &lsquo;Flagrant Violation&rsquo;, Says It &lsquo;Reserves Right To Response&rsquo;</strong></h3>
<p>Reacting sharply, Qatari authorities condemned the missile attack, calling it a breach of its sovereignty and international norms. Majed Al Ansari, Advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated, &ldquo;The State of Qatar strongly condemns the attack that targeted Al-Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. We consider this a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar, its airspace, international law, and the United Nations Charter.&rdquo;</p>
<p>In a warning that the Gulf state may retaliate, he said, &ldquo;We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Qatar also confirmed that the US military facility had been evacuated in anticipation of the strike. &ldquo;All necessary steps were taken to ensure the safety of personnel at the base, including Qatari Armed Forces members, friendly forces, and others. We confirm that no injuries or human casualties resulted from the attack,&rdquo; Al Ansari said.</p>
<h3><strong>Explosions in Doha; Airspace Closed as Precaution</strong></h3>
<p>Ahead of the announcement, Qatar took the unusual step of closing its airspace in response to the escalating regional crisis. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and published via the state-run Qatar News Agency noted that the airspace shutdown was &ldquo;part of a series of precautionary measures taken in response to recent developments in the region&rdquo;.</p>
<p>The ministry added that authorities were &ldquo;closely and continuously monitoring the situation, assessing developments in coordination with regional and international partners,&rdquo; and promised timely updates to the public through official sources.</p>
<p>A Reuters reporter stationed in Doha described hearing multiple explosions, shortly after Tehran had issued threats in response to the US airstrikes on its nuclear infrastructure. Visuals purportedly showing the missile strike began circulating on social media shortly after the incident.</p>
<h3><strong>Qatar Urges Dialogue, Warns of Regional Fallout</strong></h3>
<p>Calling for de-escalation, Al Ansari said, &ldquo;The continuation of such escalatory military actions will undermine security and stability in the region, dragging it into situations that could have catastrophic consequences for international peace and security.&rdquo;</p>
<p>He stressed the importance of returning to diplomacy: &ldquo;We call for the immediate cessation of all military actions and for a serious return to the negotiating table and dialogue.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Highlighting the broader context of the crisis, Al Ansari added, &ldquo;We reaffirm that dialogue is the only way to overcome the current crises and ensure the security of the region and the peace of its people.&rdquo;</p>