Latest news with #OperationGladTidingsofVictory
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
A weakened Tehran lashes out performatively against US airbases to save face
An empty base as a target, with many hours warning, and a limited number of missiles fired at some of the best air defense systems in the world. Iran's retaliation for the US's weekend strikes on three of its nuclear facilities can only have been designed to deescalate. The US-run Al Udeid airbase in Qatar had been evacuated days earlier, with satellite images showing the departure of planes and personnel widely publicised in the media. It is the most important US military airbase in the region, the home of Central Command. It even launched the drone that killed Iran's top military personality, General Qasem Soleimani, in 2020, Iranian state media said in the hours after 'Operation Glad Tidings of Victory.' The Monday strike against Al-Udeid had close to zero chance of American casualties – and provided the perfect moment of quasi-absurd face-saving for Iran. The first hint of a possible strike came when the US Embassy in Doha, Qatar, issued an emergency 'shelter in place' order for US citizens. As if to remove any doubt, Qatar closed its airspace about an hour prior to the launch of what appears to have been close to a dozen missiles by Iran. Adding to the favourable conditions of the launch for Iran's dwindling arsenal, Qatar is close enough to permit the use of shorter-range missiles, stocks of which have not been as depleted as the medium-range missiles used to hit Israel over the past week. To pour water on anything resembling a flame, Iran's National Security Council said moments after the attack the number of missiles fired had been 'as many as the number of bombs used in the attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.' Packaging the barrage as the definition of a proportionate response, the Iranian statement went on to insist the attack posed 'no dangerous aspect to our friendly and brotherly country of Qatar and its noble people.' Tehran's method of retaliation-without-fangs has been successfully tried and tested. After Soleimani was killed, Iran's retaliatory missile attack against the US's Al Asad airbase in Iraq was reportedly telegraphed to Baghdad beforehand, possibly helping reduce the level of US injury suffered to mostly concussions. Iran's response to Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024 in the heart of Tehran heavily telegraphed in advance. 'We knew they'd retaliate. They had a similar response after Soleimani,' a senior White House official said Monday night. A playbook appears to be forming. But it is one that compounds Iran's military weakness each time it is employed. In 2020, the Islamic Republic lost its pre-eminent military personality – an Iranian hardline hero. In 2024, it showed that valuable allies were not safe in central Tehran. This year, the regime has lost control of its own airspace to the point of previously unthinkable strikes on their prized nuclear facilities by both Israel and the US. This is stark testament to the differing powers on display. Iran has to feign its strength in a managed presentation of restrained and muted anger. The US and Israel get to break taboos daily, shattering Iran's long-held position as a regional power in under ten days, and perhaps ending its ambitions to be a nuclear power. There is now only one real red line left for the United States or Israel to cross, and that is to directly target Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But that may seem ill-advised, given the likelihood this octogenarian theocrat would be replaced by a younger hardliner who is keener to flex Iran's muscles of deterrence. Better to accept toothless retaliations amid Tehran's slow decline. Each expression of Iran's anger has confirmed its slow erosion of power. An angry fledging nuclear power would have accelerated its race to an atomic bomb. That may still happen. But it looks more likely that Iran is desperately hoping its performative lashing out can sate what remains of its hardliners, decimated by Israeli strikes. It may even hope to shuffle back to diplomacy, with talks to contain a nuclear program and ballistic missile stockpile likely severely depleted to shadows of what they were merely ten days ago.
Arabian Post
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Arabian Post
Gulf States Rebuff Iran's Missile Barrage on Qatar Base
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, hosting around 10,000 U.S. and allied personnel, was struck on 23 June 2025 by a volley of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles launched by Iran in apparent retaliation for American airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. Qatar's air defences intercepted the incoming salvo, reported as six missiles by Iran and fourteen by U.S. sources, with no casualties or significant damage recorded. Tehran described the strike as a calibrated response, matching the number of missiles to bombs used in the U.S. assault on Natanz, Fordow and Esfahan, suggesting a bid to avoid civilian harm. Iranian state media dubbed the action 'Operation Glad Tidings of Victory' and stressed it was carried out away from populated areas. U.S. President Donald Trump, characterising the barrage as 'very weak,' acknowledged that Iran provided advance notice, enabling effective interception and preventing casualties. ADVERTISEMENT Qatar issued a forceful denunciation, condemning the barrage as a 'flagrant violation' of its sovereignty and international law. Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, warned that the country reserves the right to respond proportionally and reiterated calls for a return to genuine diplomacy. Qatar Airways temporarily suspended flights amid the airspace closure, and India's embassy in Doha advised nationals to remain cautious amid the unfolding tensions. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also condemned the violence. The UAE described the missiles as a breach of Qatari sovereignty and called for an immediate halt to military escalation. Riyadh echoed this stance, expressing full support for Qatar and branding the strike 'unjustifiable,' warning of broader destabilisation. The Arab League, Jordan, Bahrain and Oman joined the chorus, denouncing the attack and urging restraint. Western capitals emphasised caution. France and Germany condemned the missile salvo but underscored the necessity of diplomacy. The United Nations and European Union called for urgent de-escalatory measures and a return to negotiations, with António Guterres warning of the risk of 'regional conflagration'. Beijing and Moscow echoed appeals for a diplomatic resolution. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Iran would not succumb to aggression and that its missile barrage equalled the U.S. assault. Tehran also hinted at further measures if U.S. actions persist. Meanwhile, Israel unleashed its most extensive air campaign yet on Tehran, striking sites including Evin Prison and Fordow enrichment facility. The strikes on Qatar and also U.S. bases in Iraq—though unconfirmed beyond Qatar—have prompted airspace closures over Gulf nations including Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE. Commercial carriers like IndiGo and Air India Express issued advisories or rerouted flights, contributing to widening disruptions in travel. Global financial markets reacted nervously, with oil prices briefly spiking over fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy shipments. The International Atomic Energy Agency, meanwhile, voiced anxiety about the security of Iran's nuclear sites following the U.S. bombardment. Analysts suggest Iran's approach was designed to recalibrate the balance of deterrence without provoking full-scale war. The matched missile count, pre-warning, and focus on a remote military target indicate a calculated effort to signal strength while avoiding mass casualties. Diplomats across Europe, the U.N. and the Gulf pressed for an immediate halt to further strikes and for major powers to step up mediation. Qatar, a longstanding facilitator of regional talks, is uniquely positioned to spearhead efforts. Both Iran and the U.S. have acknowledged potential for dialogue: Trump spoke of the prospect of 'peace and harmony,' echoing Tehran's assertions that the strike completed its 'symbolic' objectives. But with tensions now inflamed between Iran, Israel and the U.S., and Gulf states on alert, diplomatic channels face a critical juncture. Any miscalculation could unleash renewed conflict across the region.
Shafaq News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
US media: Iran coordinated Al-Udeid strike with Qatar, hinted alert to Washington
Shafaq News/ Iran coordinated in advance with Qatari officials ahead of its strike on Al-Udeid Air Base to reduce casualties, The New York Times reported on Monday, citing three Iranian officials. The base, which hosts over 10,000 US troops, is the largest American military installation in the Middle East. Axios reported that the Trump administration had prior knowledge of Iran's plan to target the base. Fox News, citing US military sources, reported that American forces anticipated the strike and were on alert. The sources said the attack did not come as a surprise. Meanwhile, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in an official statement that Al-Udeid Air Base was evacuated 'in accordance with established security and precautionary procedures,' and reported no injuries or casualties among Qatari or allied forces. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the strike under the name 'Operation Glad Tidings of Victory,' stating it used 'powerful, destructive missiles' in response to recent US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Tehran described as a 'blatant violation of international law.' The IRGC stressed that the strike did not pose a direct threat to Qatar and was carried out under the orders of Iran's senior military leadership and with the approval of the Supreme National Security Council.
India.com
12 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Iran Strikes US Base in Qatar; Doha Slams ‘Violation of Sovereignty': Here's What To Know About Al Udeid Air Base
Iran-Israel War: A flash lit up the skies over Doha late Monday. Flares arched overhead. Then came the sound – deep, loud and unmistakable. Explosions rolled across the Qatari capital. Iran says it launched the strike. The target (Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar), according to Tehran, is the US military's largest base in the Middle East. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard confirmed the operation. They have named it 'Operation Glad Tidings of Victory'. The launch, they said, was in direct response to the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities over the weekend. Iranian state TV made the announcement shortly after the missiles were launched. In the aftermath, Qatar shut down its airspace temporarily. A statement from Doha cited security concerns and the need to protect residents and visitors. The decision came as Iran repeated its threats of retaliation against Washington. Across the Gulf, nervous ripples spread. In Bahrain, authorities issued a rare advisory. Citizens and residents were told to avoid main roads unless absolutely necessary. The country's interior ministry said this was to allow 'relevant authorities' to move freely and respond swiftly, if needed. The White House said it is watching closely. A senior official confirmed that both the administration and the Pentagon are monitoring threats to Al Udeid and other regional bases. According to Reuters, US forces across the Gulf have raised their alert levels. Iraq, too, is bracing for impact. Quoting sources, Reuters reported that the air defense system at the Ain al-Asad base was activated amid fears of a strike. The base houses American troops and has been a target before. Details are still emerging. Iran's semi-official news outlet Tasnim reported that missile strikes also targeted U.S. positions in Iraq. The full scale of the attack is unclear. 'It's a Violation of Sovereignty' Qatar has lashed out at Iran over the missile attack. Its foreign ministry called it a 'clear breach of Qatari sovereignty and airspace', warning that such an act will not go unanswered. Majed al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, issued a statement, saying that the strike from the IRGC was 'a direct violation of international norms and the UN charter'. He added that Qatar reserves the right to respond, using all channels available under international law. According to al-Ansari, Qatari air defense systems were activated in time. The missiles were intercepted. The attack, he said, was repelled before it could do any damage on Qatari soil. — وزارة الدفاع - دولة قطر (@MOD_Qatar) June 23, 2025 Tehran, however, tried to tone things down. Iran's Supreme National Security Council issued a statement hours later. It said the strike on the Al Udeid base was aimed carefully, away from civilian zones. Iran insisted the action was not intended to harm Qatar or its people. 'This operation posed no threat to our brotherly neighbor. Our relations with Qatar remain warm and rooted in history,' the Iranian council said. In a defiant message broadcast by Iran's Tasnim news agency, the IRGC warned that any future hostile action would trigger a strong and immediate response. It said American military installations across the region have become "exposed targets". The IRGC stressed that Iran would respond to any violation of its sovereignty, territory or national security. 'No act of aggression will go unanswered,' the statement said. According to the IRGC, the latest strike was carried out in full coordination with Iran's Supreme National Security Council. The group described the operation as a turning point, signaling what it called the end of 'hit-and-run' tactics against Iran. The statement also linked recent U.S. strikes to Israeli strategic interests. It accused Washington of acting in support of Tel Aviv's military goals and pledged that resistance would continue until, in its words, the 'Zionist entity' is dismantled. What we know about the U.S. base in Qatar Al Udeid is no ordinary outpost. Built in 1996, the 60-acre air base sits southwest of Doha. It holds nearly 10,000 American troops. It also houses advanced surveillance systems, drones and fighter aircraft. This is where CENTCOM runs its operations for nearly a dozen countries across the region. By striking this base, Iran has sent a message. And the world is listening. Doha's skies were not the only ones glowing. Footage shared online showed flares climbing in the dark. Some locals thought it was a drill. Others knew better. This is not the first time Al Udeid has faced danger. But a direct strike by Iran marks a sharp escalation. Until now, most tensions played out in Iraq or Syria. This time, Iran has reached straight into the US heart in the Gulf. The United Kingdom has taken notice too. Foreign Secretary David Lammy told Parliament they have moved assets to the region. He said Britain is ready—to defend its people and its partners. Qatar has not issued further details since the shutdown of its airspace. The United States has also yet to confirm the scale of damage or respond publicly to the strike. The line between threats and action has faded. And the most fortified American base in the Middle East now stands exposed.
