By: Isuru Parakrama
June 23, World (LNW): The United States Department of Defense has officially confirmed that Iran launched a barrage of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — one of Washington’s most critical military installations in the Middle East.
According to a senior Pentagon official, the missiles were launched directly from Iranian territory. Whilst the scale and precision of the attack are still being assessed, preliminary reports indicate that no US personnel were injured. Surveillance and intelligence teams are continuing to monitor developments closely, with further information expected as assessments continue.
The strike, aimed at the base which houses thousands of American troops and serves as the operational centre for US Central Command (CENTCOM), underscores a sharp escalation in tensions following recent US military activity linked to Iranian nuclear facilities.
In a sign of the wider regional implications, the UK government responded swiftly. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard delivered an urgent statement to Parliament within minutes of the news breaking. Whilst confirming that the situation was developing rapidly, he refrained from disclosing specific operational details.
“This is a fast-changing situation and we are monitoring it closely,” Pollard told MPs. “The UK Government utterly condemns any escalation.”
The minister stressed that force protection protocols had been elevated to their highest level for British personnel stationed across the Gulf region. “We have robust measures in place to protect our armed forces personnel, and their safety is our top priority,” he added.
The UK maintains a notable military presence in the Gulf, including at bases in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, in close cooperation with US forces. British military assets, particularly those related to maritime security and air surveillance, are seen as integral to the broader Western posture in the region.
This latest incident marks a new phase in the volatile US-Iran relationship and is expected to provoke serious discussions amongst Western allies over potential retaliatory measures, strategic stability in the Gulf, and the safety of coalition forces spread across the region.
