Qatar condemns Iranian retaliatory strike on US base

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
24 Jun 2025 01:37

Qatar stresses the need to promote dialogue and de-escalate in the region after Iran struck the largest US military installation in the region.

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Spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry addresses reporters during a press briefing organized by the ministry, in Doha, Qatar, on June 23, 2025. (Qatar TV/Screengrab)

The Qatari Foreign Ministry has condemned Iran’s missile strike on the United States' al-Udeid Air Base near Doha, describing it as a “surprising” development, especially in light of Qatar’s ongoing efforts to mediate regional and international crises.

In a statement issued Monday, Doha reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and called for a return to the negotiating table. “Qatar reiterates its firm position on the need to de-escalate tensions and prioritize dialogue,” the statement read, stressing that peaceful solutions remain the only viable path to resolving conflicts.

The condemnation came hours after Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had launched a missile attack on al-Udeid Air Base. The IRGC said the strike was a direct response to the recent US aggression that targeted three civilian nuclear sites in Iran.

Trump thanks Qatari Emir for seeking peace

In a social media post following the attack, US President Donald Trump said, “I’d like to thank the Highly Respected Emir of Qatar for all that he has done in seeking Peace for the Region."

Qatari officials also said that the missile strike caused no injuries or significant damage. The country’s Deputy Chief of Joint Operations stated that the base had been preemptively evacuated, and that Qatar’s air defense forces had successfully intercepted most of the incoming projectiles. “We are proud of today’s interception operation. No damage has been recorded,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry spokesperson reported that some missile debris fell in residential areas, sparking minor fires that were quickly contained without injury.

A legitimate act of self-defense

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended the operation, stressing that it was a legitimate act of self-defense.

“Our strike on the American base at Al-Udeid was a direct response to the blatant US aggression on our territory and sovereignty,” he said.

He also warned that “Iran is prepared to respond again in the event of any further U.S. attack.”

The missile strike on al-Udeid, America’s largest military installation in the Middle East, marks the first retaliatory attack by Iran against the US for its direct involvement in the aggression on the country.