Qatar Reopens Airspace After Iranian Missile Strike on US Base Near Doha
By Okafor Joseph | June 24, 2025
Qatar has officially reopened its airspace after briefly shutting it down on Monday amid security concerns over a retaliatory missile attack by Iran targeting the U.S. military base at Al-Udeid near Doha.
Iran launched multiple missiles at the Al-Udeid Air Base, which hosts nearly 8,000 American troops and serves as the U.S. Central Command’s air operations hub in the Middle East. According to both Qatari and U.S. officials, the attack resulted in no casualties, as nearly all projectiles were intercepted by air defense systems.
Ahead of the attack, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the temporary closure of its airspace to “ensure the safety of residents and visitors,” while the U.S. embassy in Doha advised American citizens to shelter in place. The embassy has since lifted the order, confirming that normal operations will resume on Tuesday.
The missile strike came just two days after U.S. forces launched a series of airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, significantly escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iran described its retaliation as a “clear and explicit message” that any violation of its sovereignty would not go unanswered.
In a swift response, Qatar condemned the missile attack, stating that it had been “successfully thwarted” by national defense systems. The Gulf state reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and the protection of all residents within its borders.
U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the Iranian response, calling it “very weak” and claimed Tehran gave “early notice” before launching the strike. Shortly after, he announced a breakthrough ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel, describing it as a “total and complete” agreement that could signal an end to the conflict he labeled the “12 Day War.”
“This is a war that could have gone on for years and destroyed the entire Middle East — but it didn’t, and it never will,” Trump said in a social media post.
Although Iran and Israel have yet to officially confirm the ceasefire agreement, the announcement has raised hopes of de-escalation in the region.
Earlier on Monday, other Gulf countries including Bahrain and Kuwait also temporarily shut down their airspaces as a precautionary measure following heightened regional tensions.
