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Multiple explosions were heard across Doha on Monday evening following what U.S. and Israeli sources claim was an Iranian missile strike targeting Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East.

At approximately 5.38pm UK Time, residents reported projectiles and plumes of smoke near the outskirts of the capital, with videos circulating on social media showing flashes in the sky and impact sounds. While Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has yet to confirm the explosions were due to a missile strike, it has taken the extraordinary step of closing its airspace to all traffic.

What We Know So Far

• Six Iranian missiles reportedly launched at U.S. military targets in Qatar.
• Al Udeid Air Base, home to 8,000 U.S. and U.K. troops, was the likely target.
• Qatar’s government closed national airspace "to ensure public safety."
• U.S. and U.K. embassies have advised citizens to shelter in place.
• No official casualty figures confirmed yet.

Why Al Udeid Is a Strategic Target

The Al Udeid Air Base, located 30km southwest of Doha, is the headquarters for U.S. Central Command (Centcom) and a critical logistics hub for operations across the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It has now become a flashpoint in the widening Iran-Israel conflict, which escalated dramatically following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

According to U.S. officials, the operation—codenamed "Midnight Hammer"—targeted the Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan sites using bunker-busting bombs and 125 aircraft.

Regional Fallout and International Reaction

In response, Iran vowed "proportionate retaliation" and, according to Axios and AFP, began mobilizing missile batteries by midday Monday. The Wall Street Journal confirmed the U.S. believed Al Udeid was in imminent danger hours before the explosions.

Meanwhile:

• Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran, hitting access roads to the Fordo nuclear facility and Evin Prison.
• Iran responded with missile barrages on Tel Aviv and Haifa, reportedly injuring 86 civilians.
• Iranian-linked outlets claim strikes were also conducted against U.S. forces in Iraq.

Airspace Closure and Airport Disruption

Qatar’s airspace shutdown has led to major disruptions at Doha International Airport, a vital hub for flights between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and British Airways have issued rerouting alerts.

A senior Qatari official told The Independent, "We are preparing for the worst-case scenario." Despite this, officials say Doha city itself is not under direct threat.

U.S., U.K. Issue Urgent Guidance

• The U.S. Embassy in Doha urged Americans to remain in secure locations.
• The U.K. Foreign Office echoed the advisory.
• Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that 63 British nationals were evacuated from Israel to Cyprus, as regional security deteriorates.

Oil prices spiked nearly 6%, with fears mounting that Iran may close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy.

What Comes Next?

While no formal claim of responsibility has been made by Tehran, unverified video appears to show intercepted missiles near the air base.

Analysts warn that if any American personnel were killed, President Trump—who ordered Sunday’s strikes and visited Al Udeid in May—may authorize a major retaliatory action.

BBC’s Frank Gardner described the crisis as "the closest we’ve been to direct U.S.-Iran military conflict in a decade," noting Iran’s options include immediate escalation, proxy warfare, or strategic de-escalation.

Stay Informed & Report Information

For real-time updates:

• Follow @StateDept and @UKinQatar on X (formerly Twitter).
• Report emergencies to +974 4496 6000 (US citizens) or +974 4496 2000 (UK citizens).

More updates to follow as the situation develops.

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