BREAKING: Explosions over Doha amid fears of Iranian retaliation

Explosions heard over Doha, the capital of Qatar, on the evening of Monday, June 23, 2025, set off a wave of speculation and anxiety across the Gulf region, as U.S. and regional authorities braced for a potential Iranian retaliatory strike on American military installations.

Among the possible targets is the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East and the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Home to an estimated 10,000 U.S. military personnel, Al Udeid is a vital strategic asset for Washington’s operations in the region.

On Monday, a source familiar with regional intelligence told The Jerusalem Post that the base could be in the crosshairs of an imminent Iranian attack.

The warning came as Iran reportedly launched missiles toward U.S. military sites in Iraq.

This signalled a sharp escalation in tensions following a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.

As a precautionary response, the Qatari government temporarily closed its airspace for several hours.

The decision, confirmed by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), was framed as a safety measure for residents and visitors amid rising regional instability.

The ministry did not confirm whether any specific threats had materialized but emphasized that the closure was temporary and preventive in nature.

“This is a standard precaution based on developments in the region,” the statement said, adding that civilian aviation would resume as soon as the threat subsides.

The developments follow a pattern of heightening rhetoric and military posturing from Tehran.

Tehran has reportedly vowed to retaliate against what it claims were covert operations targeting its nuclear sites, allegedly conducted by Israel and potentially supported by U.S. intelligence.

Explosions in Doha amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions

Sources cited by The Wall Street Journal indicated that Iran has begun positioning missile launchers.

This signals its readiness to strike American targets throughout the Gulf.

One U.S. official, speaking anonymously to the media, confirmed that CENTCOM bases were facing “credible threats.”

He also said that Washington was closely monitoring Iranian military movements across the region.

The U.S. Embassy in Doha issued an urgent message to American citizens living in Qatar on Monday, advising them to shelter in place until further notice.

The email described the advisory as being issued “out of an abundance of caution,” but provided no specific details about the nature or timing of a potential threat.

The embassy’s alert quickly triggered a cascade of internal warnings across Doha-based schools, international organizations, and corporate offices.

Many of these bodies and organizations informed their employees and students to remain indoors or limit movement until further guidance was available.

Despite the alarm, Qatari officials attempted to reassure the public.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari stated that the security situation remained “stable”, and that the U.S. embassy’s message did not indicate a direct or immediate danger.

“Routine advisories like these are not uncommon during periods of regional tension,” Al Ansari said, adding that Qatar remains in close communication with both U.S. and regional partners to ensure the safety of all residents and foreign nationals.

The timing of these developments is particularly sensitive.

It comes amid increasing geopolitical friction across the Middle East, including the prolonged conflict in Gaza, rising Israeli-Iranian hostilities, and wider U.S.-Iran confrontations.

Analysts warn that a direct Iranian strike on a U.S. base in Qatar or Iraq would mark a dangerous turning point.

They say it would potentially draw multiple nations into a broader military conflict.

The presence of key American installations in close proximity to civilian populations has added to the urgency of ensuring accurate threat assessments and rapid response coordination.

While no attack had materialized as of late Monday evening, the flurry of diplomatic activity, airspace restrictions, and military alerts suggests that the situation remains fluid and highly volatile.

As the region watches closely for the next move, the international community is urging restraint on all sides.

The International community hopes to avoid an escalation that could have far-reaching consequences far beyond the Gulf.

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