The U.S. anticipated Iran’s retaliation after striking its nuclear facilities, which came on June 21 as a missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. According to CNN, Iran launched short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, but there were no U.S. casualties.
In advance, the U.S. had relocated aircraft and naval vessels from key positions, including Al Udeid and Bahrain, as a precaution. Satellite images from June 19 showed empty tarmacs, indicating early preparations.
Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted the missiles. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed the strike was repelled without injuries.
A senior White House official said the response was expected, comparing it to Iran’s reaction to Qasem Soleimani’s killing in 2020. Iran claimed it matched the number of missiles to the bombs dropped on its nuclear sites, targeting only military locations.
President Trump, on Truth Social, avoided commenting directly on the attack but criticized media coverage of the U.S. strike. Meanwhile, the White House and Pentagon stated they remain alert and ready to act if needed.
