Iran fires missiles at US base in Qatar as Doha condemns 'flagrant violation'

Iran launched missiles at US military bases in Qatar on Monday evening, official media reported, in what state TV called a "powerful" response to recent American strikes on key nuclear sites.

Iran's National Security Council confirmed it had attacked the Qatar-based Al Udeid Air Base in retaliation for American strikes on its nuclear facilities, adding its response did not "pose any threat" to its Gulf neighbour.

"In response to the US aggressive and insolent action against Iran's nuclear sites and facilities, a few hours ago, the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran struck the US air base in Al-Udeid, Qatar," the council said in a statement, adding that the number of missiles used "was the same as the number of bombs that the US had used in attacking Iran's nuclear facilities".

"This action does not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar," it added.

Meanwhile, Iran's official press agency IRNA reported that the "the operation of Iranian missiles against American bases located in Qatar and in Iraq has begun, and is called 'Blessing of Victory'."

Explosions could be heard over Doha, shortly after Qatar suspended air traffic as Iran threatened retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear sites.

According to news agency AFP, journalists heard several rounds of blasts in central Doha and across the Qatari capital, with projectiles stopped by interceptors illuminating the night sky.

A number media outlets including news agency the Associated Press, citing an unnamed Iraqi security official, also alleged Iran also targeted the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, which hosts US troops.

Several missiles were reportedly launched at the base, though there have yet been official reports of casualties or damage.

However, Al-Monitor reported on Monday that Iran launched at least 10 missiles toward US bases in Qatar and one toward Iraq, citing an Israeli defence official.

The air defense system was activated in the Ain al-Assad airbase for fear of a potential attack, military sources to Reuters.

'Flagrant violation'

Qatar condemned the Iranian attack on al-Udeid- the largest US military base in the region- calling it a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty.

"We express the State of Qatar's strong condemnation of the attack on Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law," foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said in a statement.

Al-Ansari also warned that Doha "reserved the right to respond" following Iran's attack on the US base hosted by the oil-rich Gulf nation.

"We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression," the Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said, adding that the US base had been evacuated as a precaution ahead of the attack.

In addition, Qatar's defence ministry also said in a separate statement that it had successfully intercepted the Iranian missile attack, adding that "the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries".

Qatar added the security situation was "stable" following the strike, as the government said in a statement that "the Ministry of Interior confirms... that the security situation in the country is stable, and there is no cause for concern." 

Following the attack in Doha, Kuwait has shut down its airspace starting Monday and until further notice amid regional developments, Kuwaiti news agency Kuna reported.

The suspension follows a closure of airspace by Qatar and Bahrain.

However, Qatar on Tuesday later announced the re-opening of its airspace, the Qatari aviation authority said, while Kuwait and Bahrain have both announced the reopening of their airspace after brief suspensions.

The British government also lifted its shelter-in-place warning to British citizens in Qatar, the British government website posted on Monday.

The Gulf is home to several US military bases.

President Donald Trump announced Monday that Iran and Israel had agreed to a staggered ceasefire that would bring about an "official end" to a conflict that had threatened to escalate into a full blown war involving the United States.