Iran on Monday fired six missiles at the US’ largest military base in the Middle East, targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Daily Mail reports.
It was reported that this was in direct response for President Donald Trump’s weekend bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.
Shortly before the missiles were launched, a “credible threat” alert had triggered the activation of aerial defense systems at the heavily fortified base, which houses more than 10,000 American troops, over 100 aircraft, including strategic bombers and refueling tankers.
Air raid sirens were also heard across other key U.S. military installations in Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain moments after the assault on Al Udeid, signaling possibility of broader escalation.
A senior Iranian official told newsmen that the United States would “directly pay” for the attacks on its nuclear facility and could no longer hide behind Israel.
The official warned that Tehran was ready for a prolonged war lasting up to two years. Meanwhile, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said the U.S., Israel, the UK, France, and even the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency would “bear full responsibility for the death of innocent civilians in Iran.”
Iran already turned to Russia for stronger support following the most significant US military strike against the Iran since the 1979 revolution.
Reuters reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday sent Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Moscow with a message for Russian President, Vladimir Putin, seeking deeper cooperation in the face of growing threats from the United States and Israel.
According to a senior source who spoke to Reuters, Araqchi was expected to deliver a letter from Khamenei directly to Putin, appealing for greater backing as Tehran grapples with intensified U.S. hostility.
Over the weekend, U.S. forces launched an aggressive strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, escalating tensions that have been simmering for years.
President Donald Trump and Israeli leaders have recently made inflammatory comments about regime change in Iran and even speculated about targeting Khamenei himself.
While Russian President Putin has denounced Israel’s recent airstrikes in the region, he has so far remained silent on the U.S. strike against Iran’s nuclear sites.
Last week, he merely called for restraint and reiterated Russia’s willingness to mediate in the nuclear standoff.
Iranian officials reportedly believe that Russia’s support has been underwhelming so far.
- Editor
- Editor
