Iran Launches Missiles at U.S. Bases in Qatar and Iraq
Advance Notice to U.S. Signals Caution Against Escalation
Trump: "Very Weak Response"... Focus on De-escalation
On the afternoon of June 23 (local time), Iran launched missile attacks targeting U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities. However, Iran notified the U.S. government of its attack plans in advance, minimizing casualties and damage. U.S. President Donald Trump also described Iran's restrained retaliation as a "very weak response," signaling a preference for de-escalation. Attention is now focused on whether the U.S. will refrain from further retaliation against Iran and whether the situation will calm without further military conflict between the two sides.
According to reports from Reuters, Axios, and other foreign media, Iran fired more than ten missiles at U.S. military bases near Doha, the capital of Qatar, and inside Iraq on this day. This attack was a retaliatory measure for the U.S. airstrikes on June 21 against three major Iranian nuclear facilities: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced in a statement that it had launched retaliatory missiles targeting the Al Udeid U.S. Air Base in Qatar.
The IRGC stated, "This is the largest strategic asset of the American terrorist forces stationed in the Middle East," warning, "Iran will not tolerate any violation of its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or national security."
The White House stated that it was aware of the attack and was closely monitoring the situation. President Trump convened an emergency meeting in the White House Situation Room with the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other officials.
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace and issued an evacuation order just before the attack, and reported that its air defense systems intercepted the Iranian missiles. There were no casualties.
The New York Times (NYT), citing multiple senior Iranian officials, reported, "Iran provided information just before the attack to minimize casualties," and added, "A symbolic level of retaliation against the U.S. was necessary, but the attack was carried out in a way that left an exit open for both sides."
This approach is similar to the method Iran used in 2020 when it notified in advance before striking U.S. military bases in Iraq in response to the U.S. assassination of Qasem Soleimani, then commander of the IRGC Quds Force.
Analysts interpret Iran's decision to limit its attack to U.S. bases in neighboring countries, to notify in advance, and to avoid crossing the U.S. 'red line' as a signal that it does not wish to escalate tensions further.
President Trump also assessed Iran's attack as "a much weaker response than expected." Through his own social networking service, Truth Social, he stated, "Iran responded very mildly to our destruction of their nuclear facilities," adding, "Of the 14 missiles, 13 were intercepted and one headed in a non-threatening direction and was left alone. I am pleased to report that not a single American was injured and there was almost no damage." He continued, "I hope there will be no more hatred and thank Iran for notifying us in advance to prevent casualties. Now Iran can move toward peace and harmony in the region. I will strongly encourage Israel to follow the same path," he emphasized.
Previously, President Trump had warned of a stronger military response if Iran retaliated after the U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. However, as Iran responded in a limited manner and President Trump also issued a message indicating his intention to avoid escalation, some observers believe the likelihood of a second U.S. airstrike is low. In particular, since there are voices within the 'MAGA' base?Trump's core supporters?criticizing the U.S. attack on Iran, it is possible that he intended to signal restraint regarding further escalation with Iran. Some analysts, however, caution that it is too early to conclude that the U.S. has put a definitive end to its attacks on Iran.
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