Latest news with #Qatari-led
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
How Qatar thwarted Iran's attack on US base; 300 troops scrambled – missiles lit up Doha sky
Qatar successfully intercepted a wave of Iranian missiles aimed at the US military's Al Udeid Air Base, in what officials described as a swift and coordinated defensive operation that averted catastrophe. The attack came in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and marked a critical flashpoint in the widening Israel-Iran conflict. Despite the scale of the attack, no casualties were reported, and damage was minimal, thanks to a rapid response by Qatari and US forces. President Donald Trump later described the Iranian strike as a 'very weak response,' while Qatar condemned it as a 'flagrant violation' of its sovereignty. Qatari-led response averts major damage According to CNN , Qatari officials were first alerted around 7pm local time when their military detected Iranian missiles airborne and heading toward Al Udeid, a key regional hub for US air operations. Brigadier General Jassim Al-Ansari, speaking to the network, said the response was 'Qatari-led,' even though it was closely coordinated with US forces. Within minutes, 300 Qatari troops were mobilised, and multiple Patriot missile defence systems were activated across two locations. A total of 19 missiles were fired from Iran, according to Qatari sources. Seven were intercepted over the Persian Gulf, and 11 were shot down over the capital, Doha. Only one missile landed in an uninhabited area of the airbase, causing limited damage. President Trump, speaking after the incident, said Iran had fired 14 missiles, 13 of which were intercepted, with one left to land harmlessly as it posed no threat. Despite the discrepancy in numbers, US Central Command confirmed that no personnel were harmed. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi insisted the attack was calibrated not to harm civilians, and on state television, Iran's National Security Council said the strikes posed 'no dangerous aspect to our friendly and brotherly country of Qatar.' Al-Ansari, however, dismissed any suggestion that Qatar had prior knowledge of or permitted the strike. 'We would never put our people in danger for any political outcome,' he told CNN. 'This was a complete surprise.' Tensions erupt over nuclear site bombing The missile barrage followed US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordo, last Saturday. Satellite images released Sunday showed damage to the underground enrichment site, reportedly hit with precision bunker-buster bombs. Iran later claimed it had removed key nuclear material from targeted locations ahead of time. The attack on Al Udeid was widely viewed as Tehran's attempt to send a message without causing a direct confrontation with Washington. Trump claimed the US had been warned in advance, which allowed it to take precautionary measures. Iran said the number of missiles matched the bombs dropped by the US. Qatar's airspace was shut down for several hours during the attack, disrupting over 100 flights scheduled to land at Hamad International Airport. Commercial operations resumed on Tuesday. The UK and US embassies had earlier advised citizens in Qatar to shelter in place. Ceasefire emerges but tensions persist The fragile ceasefire officially took effect on June 24, following intensive diplomacy mediated by the US and Qatar, with Israel affirming its acceptance of the terms and Iran agreeing to halt operations in synchrony. However, the truce has been shaky: Iran allegedly launched two missiles into northern Israel on the morning of the ceasefire—intercepted by Israeli defenses—prompting immediate Israeli retaliatory strikes on Tehran's military infrastructure. Both sides accuse each other of early violations, with US intelligence indicating Iran's nuclear enrichment program was only set back by months, and not 'obliterated' like Trump had earlier claimed.
Economic Times
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
As Iranian missiles approached a US base, one nation stepped in to avert a wider war in West Asia
Live Events 19 missiles in the air, a ceasefire on the line A phone call, and a breakthrough (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel On the evening of June 23, when Iranian missiles raced toward the largest American military base in the Gulf, senior Qatari officials were deep in high-level talks about defusing regional didn't expect the conflict to reach their doorstep — until the walls began to to Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari, defense personnel interrupted a meeting with the Qatari Prime Minister in Doha on Monday with urgent warnings: Iranian missiles were incoming. Moments later, the thunder of interceptors filled the skies above the Qatari capital, Ansari told attack came days after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and pushed the region to the brink of a broader capitals braced for impact. In Kuwait, shelters were opened. In Bahrain, roads were closed. Some residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi rushed to buy supplies or book flights Al Udeid Air Base , the largest U.S. installation in the region, American military personnel had already begun evacuating. Qatar, meanwhile, activated its early warning radar system and scrambled 300 troops to deploy Patriot missile batteries. 'Towards the end it was very clear… Al Udeid Base was going to be targeted,' a Qatari defense official told around 7 p.m. local time, radar confirmed that Iranian missiles were airborne. According to Al-Ansari, Qatar's military intercepted seven missiles over the Persian Gulf, and another eleven over Doha. A single missile struck an uninhabited area near Al Udeid, causing minimal damage.U.S. President Donald Trump later said that 14 missiles had been fired, but Qatar's account put the number at 19. Al-Ansari told CNN the missile defense operation was 'Qatari-led', though coordinated with U.S. Tehran had warned Gulf nations months earlier that any U.S. attack on Iranian territory would make American bases across the region 'legitimate targets,' Al-Ansari said no specific warning was given ahead of this strike. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly reiterated that stance in Istanbul just one day earlier, telling Gulf counterparts that retaliation was imminent if the U.S. the attack, Iran's National Security Council said the strikes posed 'no dangerous aspect to our friendly and brotherly country of Qatar and its noble people.' But Al-Ansari dismissed speculation that Qatar had quietly allowed the strike in exchange for a future diplomatic opening.'We do not take it lightly for our country to be attacked by missiles from any side,' he told CNN. 'I would not put my daughter under missiles coming from the sky just to come out with a political outcome. This was a complete surprise to us.'Just as Qatar's leadership was weighing how to respond, a call came from President Trump to Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Trump relayed that Israel was willing to agree to a ceasefire, and asked Qatar to relay that message to Iran.'As we were discussing how to retaliate to this attack… this is when we get a call from the United States that a possible ceasefire, a possible avenue to regional security had opened,' Al-Ansari country's chief negotiator, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, reached out to Tehran. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Al Thani spoke to U.S. Vice President JD Vance. With both channels active, a deal was quickly arranged.'All options were on the table that night,' Al-Ansari recalled. 'But we also realized that was a moment that could create momentum for peace in a region that hasn't been there for two years now.'
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
As Iranian missiles approached a US base, one nation stepped in to avert a wider war in West Asia
On the evening of June 23, when Iranian missiles raced toward the largest American military base in the Gulf, senior Qatari officials were deep in high-level talks about defusing regional tensions. They didn't expect the conflict to reach their doorstep — until the walls began to shake. According to Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari, defense personnel interrupted a meeting with the Qatari Prime Minister in Doha on Monday with urgent warnings: Iranian missiles were incoming. Moments later, the thunder of interceptors filled the skies above the Qatari capital, Ansari told CNN. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Easiest Way to Get Your Passport in 2025. GovPlus Learn More Undo The attack came days after U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and pushed the region to the brink of a broader war. Gulf capitals braced for impact. In Kuwait, shelters were opened. In Bahrain, roads were closed. Some residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi rushed to buy supplies or book flights out. Live Events At Al Udeid Air Base , the largest U.S. installation in the region, American military personnel had already begun evacuating. Qatar, meanwhile, activated its early warning radar system and scrambled 300 troops to deploy Patriot missile batteries. 'Towards the end it was very clear… Al Udeid Base was going to be targeted,' a Qatari defense official told CNN. 19 missiles in the air, a ceasefire on the line At around 7 p.m. local time, radar confirmed that Iranian missiles were airborne. According to Al-Ansari, Qatar's military intercepted seven missiles over the Persian Gulf, and another eleven over Doha. A single missile struck an uninhabited area near Al Udeid, causing minimal damage. U.S. President Donald Trump later said that 14 missiles had been fired, but Qatar's account put the number at 19. Al-Ansari told CNN the missile defense operation was 'Qatari-led', though coordinated with U.S. forces. While Tehran had warned Gulf nations months earlier that any U.S. attack on Iranian territory would make American bases across the region 'legitimate targets,' Al-Ansari said no specific warning was given ahead of this strike. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly reiterated that stance in Istanbul just one day earlier, telling Gulf counterparts that retaliation was imminent if the U.S. escalated. After the attack, Iran's National Security Council said the strikes posed 'no dangerous aspect to our friendly and brotherly country of Qatar and its noble people.' But Al-Ansari dismissed speculation that Qatar had quietly allowed the strike in exchange for a future diplomatic opening. 'We do not take it lightly for our country to be attacked by missiles from any side,' he told CNN. 'I would not put my daughter under missiles coming from the sky just to come out with a political outcome. This was a complete surprise to us.' A phone call, and a breakthrough Just as Qatar's leadership was weighing how to respond, a call came from President Trump to Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Trump relayed that Israel was willing to agree to a ceasefire, and asked Qatar to relay that message to Iran. 'As we were discussing how to retaliate to this attack… this is when we get a call from the United States that a possible ceasefire, a possible avenue to regional security had opened,' Al-Ansari said. The country's chief negotiator, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, reached out to Tehran. Simultaneously, Prime Minister Al Thani spoke to U.S. Vice President JD Vance. With both channels active, a deal was quickly arranged. 'All options were on the table that night,' Al-Ansari recalled. 'But we also realized that was a moment that could create momentum for peace in a region that hasn't been there for two years now.'
Business Upturn
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Alliance of Four Major Qatari Companies Signs Strategic Agreement with Chinese Automotive Giant Chery
Doha, Qatar: A powerful alliance of four leading Qatari companies has signed a strategic agreement with Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., one of China's largest and most innovative automotive manufacturers, to expand Chery's presence in the global automotive market through a new Qatari-led platform. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Alliance of Four Major Qatari Companies Signs Strategic Agreement with Chinese Automotive Giant Chery (Photo: AETOSWire) The alliance includes: Power International Holding Dishley Holding Elite Motors Limited Elaf Motors Chery Automobile was represented at the signing by Mr. Tim Zhang, General Manager – Middle East. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior leadership from both sides. Mr. Mohamad Al Khayyat, representative of the Qatari alliance, stated: 'This alliance represents one of the most important partnerships in the regional automotive sector. Through our collaboration with Chery, we are establishing an advanced business model built on effective partnership.' Mr. Tim Zhang, Chery Automobile General Manager – Middle East, commented: 'We are proud to join forces with this strong Qatari alliance. This agreement is not only a gateway to a promising market but also a platform to drive innovation and deliver high-quality mobility solutions to the region. We see Qatar as an ideal partner for Chery's next phase of global growth.' Mr. Abdulghani Abdullah Abdulghani, Elite Motors, added: 'We see this partnership as a strategic opportunity to create real impact in the automotive sector. By uniting local expertise with a global brand like Chery, Mr. Isam El Bashier, Elaf Auto Managing Director, affirmed: 'This agreement marks a pivotal step for our alliance and the region's automotive future. By partnering with Chery, we are combining global innovation with local strength to deliver a new standard of mobility. This collaboration sets the stage for long-term impact, industry transformation, and sustained excellence.' The Qatari alliance representatives emphasized that the agreement serves as a launchpad for a strategic venture poised to reshape the automotive industry in the region. For more information, please visit: *Distributed by: AETOSWire View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Alliance of Four Major Qatari Companies Signs Strategic Agreement with Chinese Automotive Giant Chery
DOHA, Qatar--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A powerful alliance of four leading Qatari companies has signed a strategic agreement with Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., one of China's largest and most innovative automotive manufacturers, to expand Chery's presence in the global automotive market through a new Qatari-led platform. The alliance includes: Power International Holding Dishley Holding Elite Motors Limited Elaf Motors Chery Automobile was represented at the signing by Mr. Tim Zhang, General Manager – Middle East. The agreement was signed in the presence of senior leadership from both sides. Mr. Mohamad Al Khayyat, representative of the Qatari alliance, stated: "This alliance represents one of the most important partnerships in the regional automotive sector. Through our collaboration with Chery, we are establishing an advanced business model built on effective partnership." Mr. Tim Zhang, Chery Automobile General Manager – Middle East, commented: "We are proud to join forces with this strong Qatari alliance. This agreement is not only a gateway to a promising market but also a platform to drive innovation and deliver high-quality mobility solutions to the region. We see Qatar as an ideal partner for Chery's next phase of global growth." Mr. Abdulghani Abdullah Abdulghani, Elite Motors, added: "We see this partnership as a strategic opportunity to create real impact in the automotive sector. By uniting local expertise with a global brand like Chery, Mr. Isam El Bashier, Elaf Auto Managing Director, affirmed: 'This agreement marks a pivotal step for our alliance and the region's automotive future. By partnering with Chery, we are combining global innovation with local strength to deliver a new standard of mobility. This collaboration sets the stage for long-term impact, industry transformation, and sustained excellence.' The Qatari alliance representatives emphasized that the agreement serves as a launchpad for a strategic venture poised to reshape the automotive industry in the region.
