Iran launches missiles at US bases in Qatar and Iraq, state media reports | BBC News

Key Concepts

• US-run military base in Qatar (Al Udeid Air Base)
• Iranian retaliation for US attack on nuclear facilities
• Explosions over Doha, Qatar
• Shelter-in-place order for US and UK citizens in Qatar
• Donald Trump in situation room with defense secretary and joint chiefs
• Attacks on US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq (Al-Assad Air Base)
• Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
• High National Security Council of Iran
• Geopolitical implications for Iran and its relations with neighboring countries

Situation Overview

The report covers breaking news regarding potential Iranian attacks on US and US-allied military bases in the Middle East, specifically in Qatar and Iraq, following a US attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. The situation is described as fast-moving and developing.

Events in Qatar

• Credible Threat: Reports indicate a credible threat to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US-run air base in the Middle East, located in Qatar.
• Airspace Closure: Qatar closed its airspace and diverted planes as a precautionary measure.
• Explosions: Explosions were reported over Doha, the capital of Qatar. Live pictures were shown of the city.
• Precautionary Measures: Precautionary measures were taken at the Al Udeid Air Base, including potentially flying planes out of the way and preparing defenses.
• Shelter-in-Place: A shelter-in-place order was issued for US citizens in Qatar, followed by a similar warning from the UK embassy for British citizens.
• Iranian Confirmation: Iranian state TV confirmed the attack on US bases in Qatar. The IRGC claimed responsibility, describing the attacks as "very successful."
• Symbolic Gesture: The High National Security Council of Iran stated that six missiles were fired, the same number of bombs used by the US to attack the Fordow nuclear site, as a symbolic gesture. They also emphasized that they tried to avoid civilian casualties and that the target was specifically the US base.

Events in Iraq

• Al-Assad Air Base Attack: Iraq's Al-Assad Air Base, which houses US troops, was reportedly attacked by missiles.
• Interception: Military sources claimed that two missiles fired towards Al-Assad were intercepted.
• Past Retaliation: Reference is made to Iran's retaliation in 2020 for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, which involved multiple waves of ballistic missiles fired at Al-Assad and Erbil air bases.

US Response

• Situation Room: Donald Trump was reported to be in the situation room with the defense secretary and joint chiefs.

Iranian Perspective and Geopolitical Implications

• "Tidings of Victory": Iran named the attacks "Tidings of Victory."
• Deteriorating Relations: Iran is described as being in a difficult situation, having lost trust with neighboring countries, including Iraq.
• Iraqi Neutrality: The Iraqi government has stated its opposition to Israeli jets using its airspace to attack Iran but claims it cannot prevent it.
• Gulf State Caution: Other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf have built close relationships with Iran but are cautious in their statements regarding the US attack on Iranian nuclear sites.
• No Reason to Step Back: Iran feels there is no reason to step back and consider its relationship with Persian Gulf countries.
• Targeting: The High National Security Council of Iran stressed that the attacks "should not have any impact on what they described as Iran's friendly and brotherly relations with our Qatari neighbors".

Iranian Media

• State Media: State media is under the complete control of the state and is primarily used for official confirmation of news.
• Press Restrictions: Iranian authorities have instructed the press and other media outlets (excluding state-run TV) to be very careful about what they report.
• User-Generated Content: User-generated material on platforms like Instagram is prolific and often used by news sources to gather information about targets and impacts.

Conclusion

The situation is highly volatile, with potential for further escalation. Iran's actions are framed as retaliation for the US attack on its nuclear facilities. The geopolitical implications are significant, potentially further straining Iran's relationships with its neighbors and impacting the broader balance of power in the region. The credibility of information from Iranian sources varies, with state media serving as a confirmation tool and user-generated content providing on-the-ground perspectives.