Al Udeid strike: How Iran attack on US base in Doha unfolded

Dubai: What began as a dramatic US bombing of Iran’s nuclear sites quickly spiraled into a regional flashpoint — with explosions rocking Qatar’s capital, Doha.

Iran’s response came swiftly: A barrage of missiles targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East. Sirens blared, a mall was thrown into panic, and the region braced for escalation.

But how exactly did the attack unfold — and how close did the region come to all-out war?

Here’s how it happened, step by step.

It began over the weekend when the United States carried out a surprise bombing of three key Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

The strikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, involved 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs and Tomahawk missiles. Trump later called it a “spectacular military success.”

Just hours later, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a warning: “We neither initiated the war nor are seeking it. But we will not leave invasion of the great Iran unanswered.” On Monday, Iran made good on that threat — launching missiles at the US military base at Al Udeid in Qatar.

Around 19 missiles were fired at Al Udeid Air Base, according to Qatari officials. Iran said the number matched the US bombs dropped on its nuclear sites. US and Qatari missile defences were activated immediately. Explosions were heard in the capital, Doha  — triggering panic, including at a nearby mall where people fled in confusion, fearing a direct hit.

No. Iran reportedly gave early notice of the attack. According to President Trump, this warning allowed US forces to activate defence systems. Of the 14 missiles Iran launched (Trump’s count), 13 were intercepted. One was allowed to proceed because it posed no threat.

Explosions could be heard over Doha, shortly after Qatar suspended air traffic.

AFP journalists heard several rounds of blasts in central Doha and across the Qatari capital, with projectiles stopped by interceptors illuminating the night sky.

Earlier, the US embassy in Qatar advised Americans there not to go out, with other Western embassies echoing the warning.

“Out of an abundance of caution we recommend American citizens shelter in place until further notice,” the US embassy said on its website.

Britain and Canada later cited the US security alert in their own recommendations to nationals.

Last week, dozens of US military aircraft were no longer on the tarmac at Al Udeid, according to satellite images published by Planet Labs PBC and analysed by AFP.

Nearly 40 military aircraft - including transport planes like the Hercules C-130 and reconnaissance aircraft - were parked on the tarmac at the base, the regional headquarters of the Pentagon’s Central Command, on June 5, but in an image taken on June 19, only three aircraft were visible.

Officials say no Americans were killed or injured. Qatar claimed it intercepted all but one missile. It remains unclear if the remaining missile caused any structural damage, though there were no casualties reported at the base or in surrounding areas.

The Qatari government condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and international law. It shut down airspace temporarily and issued shelter-in-place advisories. Civilian areas, including parts of Doha, were rattled by the sound of explosions — with one busy mall reporting mass panic.

Al Udeid is the largest US military base in the region, home to about 8,000 troops. It serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command and controls air operations across the Middle East. Iran targeted it deliberately but claimed to avoid civilian-populated areas.

Trump downplayed the missile strike, calling it a “very weak response.” He thanked Iran for the early warning and expressed hope that both sides could now step back from escalation. He said, “Perhaps Iran can now proceed to Peace and Harmony in the Region.”

As the dust settled, there were no immediate military counterstrikes from the US. Iran broadcast martial music and claimed the attack was a “successful and mighty response.” But signs pointed to both sides pausing — at least for now.