Everything we know after Iran strikes US air base following Trump's bombing of nuclear sites
Here's everything we know after Iran launched missiles on US air bases in the Middle East following Donald Trump's bombing of nuclear sites over the weekend.
President Trump launched an attack on Iran's key nuclear facilities on Saturday night (June 21), with Trump declaring the mission a 'success' after it 'completely obliterated' the Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear sites.
Iran reiterated it would be coming up with a 'decisive response' to the US attack, which happened earlier today (June 23).
Where did Iran target?
Iran targeted Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base - the largest US base in the Middle East that houses some 10,000 US troops.
Meanwhile, the Ain al-Asad air base housing US troops in Western Iraq was also targeted, an Iraqi security official told The Associated Press.
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What has been the impact of the Iranian strikes on Qatar?
Qatari air defences were able to intercept the missiles, and officials have confirmed there were no casualties at Al Udeid.
Earlier today, it was announced Qatari airspace had been closed amid the threat of an attack by Iran. And just a few hours ago, the US embassy in Qatar told US citizens they should shelter in place 'until further notice'.
What has the Trump administration said about the attack?
Donald Trump is suspected to currently be in the White House situation room amid the ongoing crisis.
The Trump administration said in a statement: “The White House and the department of defence are aware of, and closely monitoring, potential threats.”
What has Iran said about the strikes?
Iranian Tasnim news agency stated that operation 'Annunciation of Victory' had been launched against US bases. Meanwhile, Iran's armed forces confirmed the Al-Udeid base in Qatar had been hit with a 'devastating and powerful' missile attack.
The announcement of missiles being launched was made on state television as martial music played. A caption on the screen called it 'a mighty and successful response by the armed forces of Iran to America’s aggression'.
Just before the explosions, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on Twitter: “We neither initiated the war nor seeking it. But we will not leave invasion to the great Iran without answer.”
The New York Times is reporting three Iranian officials said they had coordinated the attack with officials in Qatar in a bid to 'minimise casualties'.
How has Qatar responded to the attack?
Qatar was quick to condemn the attack on the US military base, dubbing the attack as 'flagrant violation' of sovereignty.
A Qatari statement reads: "We are assured that Qatari air defences thwarted the attack and successfully intercepted the Iranian missile."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence added: “Thanks to God, the vigilance of the armed forces, and the precautionary measures taken, the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries.”
Topics: Iran, Donald Trump, World News, US News
Callum Jones