Trump Labels Iran’s Missile Strike on U.S. Base as ‘Weak,’ Urges Peace
DOHA/WASHINGTON: On Monday, June 23, 2025, Iran launched a missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key U.S. military facility, in retaliation for American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. U.S. President Donald Trump described the assault as a “very weak response” in a post on Truth Social, noting that of the 14 missiles fired, 13 were intercepted, and one was allowed to continue as it posed no threat. No casualties or significant damage were reported, according to Trump and Qatari authorities.
Iran had informed Qatar in advance of the attack, a move Trump acknowledged, thanking Tehran for the early warning that ensured no lives were lost. A U.S. official, cited by Reuters, confirmed that American and Qatari defenses successfully neutralized the missiles. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty, reserving the right to respond under international law. The attack briefly prompted Qatar to close its airspace, which was later reopened, per the country’s civil aviation authority.
The missile strike followed U.S. military action on June 22, 2025, targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities, which Trump referred to as the “obliteration” of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declared that Tehran would not yield, signaling continued defiance. Meanwhile, Trump expressed hope that the attack marked the end of hostilities, urging both Iran and Israel to pursue peace. He emphasized his desire to encourage Israel to follow suit, aiming to de-escalate tensions in the region.
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The conflict, now in its 12th day, began with Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs on June 13, 2025. Iran’s attack on the U.S. base has heightened concerns about a broader regional escalation, with several Arab nations, including Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq, condemning the strike. As diplomatic efforts falter Oman canceled a planned round of indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear talks global leaders, including Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have called for de-escalation and a renewed focus on diplomacy.