Iran Launches Missile Strikes on U.S. Base in Qatar; President Trump Calls It a “Weak Response”

Highlights:

Iranian forces launched a series of missile strikes targeting U.S. military installations in the Middle East on June 23. The main target was Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, home to around 10,000 American troops, according to Reuters.

Between six and fourteen short- and medium-range ballistic missiles were launched toward the base. Most were intercepted by Qatari air defense systems. One missile reportedly hit a nearby building, causing minor structural damage but no casualties, as confirmed by Reuters.

There are unconfirmed reports of similar attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq’s Ain al-Asad and Syria’s Hasakah province. While Iranian authorities have not claimed responsibility, some experts suggest Iran-backed militias could be behind the strikes, as reported by USA Today.

Background

The strikes are believed to be retaliation for U.S. air raids on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan carried out between June 21–22, 2025. Iranian officials stated their goal was to match the scale of the U.S. bombing while issuing advance warnings to minimize casualties. This approach was reported by Reuters.

Trump Responds

President Donald Trump responded via Truth Social, calling the attack “a very weak response” and confirming that no American or Qatari personnel were harmed.

Regional Reaction

Qatari authorities condemned the missile strike as a violation of sovereignty, while neighboring countries—including Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq—temporarily closed airspace. Global oil prices briefly dipped, indicating that markets anticipate no major disruption to the Strait of Hormuz or oil flow.

Israel Strikes Iranian Targets

Simultaneously, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iranian positions, including facilities near Tehran. These strikes did not involve U.S. assets but mark an escalation in the broader Middle East conflict dynamic.

Outlook

With diplomatic channels still open and regional powers issuing measured responses, it remains to be seen whether the current cycle of retaliatory actions will escalate into broader conflict or be contained. The Biden administration and U.N. Security Council are expected to issue official responses in the coming days.