IRAN has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining friendly relations with Qatar and its citizens, despite launching a missile strike on the Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts United States and allied forces in the Gulf state.
In a statement issued by the Secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Tehran described the operation as a “targeted military action” that posed no threat to civilians.
“The base targeted by the capable Iranian forces is located far from residential areas and public infrastructure in Qatar,” the statement read.
“This action has no adverse effects on our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, or its noble people,” it added.
The strike on the Al Udeid facility comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and is understood to be a retaliatory response by Tehran following a recent United States attack on three Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Iran emphasised that its strike was aimed solely at the presence of foreign military forces and “does not reflect any hostility towards the government or people of Qatar.”
The statement appears intended to prevent diplomatic fallout with Doha, which has historically served as a key mediator in regional disputes.
Qatari authorities have yet to issue an official response, though security measures have reportedly been stepped up around the affected area.
Following the Iranian strike, several Arab nations implemented emergency aviation protocols. According to reports from Bernama-Anadolu Agency, multiple countries across the region temporarily closed their airspace late on Monday.
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a closure of its airspace “to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors amid rising regional uncertainty.”
Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Affairs confirmed a suspension of air navigation within its airspace, citing ongoing developments. Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation likewise halted all air traffic, prompting Kuwait Airways to suspend all flights.
Iraq’s Ministry of Transport ordered a closure of its southern airspace, while Oman Air temporarily halted operations to and from Manama, Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait. The airline also issued warnings of potential delays across its network.
EgyptAir announced it had cancelled services between Cairo and several Gulf cities, stating that operations would only resume once safety conditions were deemed acceptable.
The wave of airspace shutdowns reflects heightened caution in response to the Iranian missile strike, which marks another chapter in the escalating standoff between Tehran and Washington. - June 24. 2025
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