Missile Blasts Over Doha After Qatar Shuts Airspace Amid Iran–US Escalation

Explosions echoed across Doha on Monday, June 23, after Qatar closed its airspace in response to escalating military tensions between Iran and the United States. The blasts were reportedly the result of Iranian missile strikes aimed at Al Udeid Air Base, a major U.S. military facility southwest of Doha.

Witnesses described hearing multiple loud blasts over central Doha and Lusail, with flares lighting up the night sky as Qatari air defenses intercepted incoming projectiles. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that all missiles were successfully intercepted and no casualties had been reported.

The attack followed earlier U.S. strikes on suspected Iranian nuclear facilities, triggering a swift response from Tehran. Iranian state media labeled the operation “Tidings of Victory,” claiming it had only targeted military installations, not civilian infrastructure.

In the immediate aftermath, the U.S. and UK embassies in Qatar issued shelter-in-place advisories, urging citizens to stay indoors. Meanwhile, Qatar, along with neighboring countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, temporarily suspended air traffic, leading to widespread flight delays and rerouting across the region.

Though tensions remain high, global oil markets held steady, signaling confidence that the hostilities may be contained. As diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes, Doha’s brief night of chaos serves as a stark reminder of the volatility simmering across the Gulf.