FnF News
FNF News | U.S.–Iran Conflict | Global Security Brief
Published: June 27, 2025
By: Khadija Khan, Senior Political Editor – FNF
Iran Strikes U.S. Base in Qatar Hours Before Nuclear Talks Begin in Doha
In a stunning and precisely timed military operation, Iran fired 19 ballistic missiles at the U.S.-operated Al‑Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday night, just hours before long-anticipated nuclear negotiations were set to begin in Doha. The coordinated missile attack, named “Operation Glad Tidings of Victory” by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is seen as both a calculated response to recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and a message of strength sent ahead of diplomatic engagement.
U.S. Central Command confirmed that 18 out of the 19 incoming missiles were successfully intercepted by U.S. and Qatari air defense systems, which included Patriot and THAAD batteries, supported by NASAMS and Rapier platforms. The single missile that was not intercepted landed outside the base perimeter, causing no casualties or damage to infrastructure.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commended the missile defense teams stationed in Qatar, stating that the interception was “the most extensive Patriot engagement in Gulf history.” He also emphasized that U.S. forces had “less than two minutes to stop what could have been a catastrophe,” crediting the rapid decision-making and training of American troops on site.
Ceasefire Dismantled Before It Could Be Enforced
The attack came on the heels of a Trump-brokered phased ceasefire between Iran and Israel, announced just three days earlier. That ceasefire now appears to be entirely symbolic. Within 48 hours, Israeli forces resumed limited air operations in Syria. Iran, in turn, activated several of its regional proxies. Reports indicate that Hezbollah units in Lebanon repositioned rocket launchers near the Israeli border, and Houthi militants in Yemen declared readiness for “regional escalation if provoked.”
The missile strike at Al‑Udeid, although deliberately non-lethal, underlines the failure of immediate de-escalation efforts and points to a larger strategy of deterrence by Tehran. While the Biden administration continues to promote diplomacy, military officials are reportedly reviewing response scenarios in case Iran escalates further.
Diplomacy Moves Forward Despite the Blast
Despite the attack, American and Iranian diplomats arrived in Doha on schedule. The agenda includes negotiations over the restoration of IAEA access to Iranian nuclear sites, limitations on uranium enrichment levels, and the phased release of nearly $10 billion in Iranian oil revenues frozen under U.S. sanctions.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Iran’s delegation insisted the missile strike was “measured” and “non-escalatory,” designed to restore balance ahead of talks rather than derail them. However, critics argue that conducting diplomacy under threat undermines any future framework for trust or cooperation.
The Iranian parliament recently voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA unless certain sanctions were lifted, further complicating the environment in which these discussions are being held.
Gulf Airspace Sealed and Civilian Impact Mounts
As a precaution, Qatar shut down its airspace shortly before the strike. This led to significant civilian air traffic disruption, including the diversion of over 90 Qatar Airways flights. Over 20,000 passengers were delayed or rebooked as part of an emergency response coordinated by Qatari aviation authorities.
Neighboring countries, including Bahrain, UAE, and Kuwait, also closed portions of their airspace as a show of defensive alignment. According to regional sources, Saudi Arabia placed two air defense battalions on standby within 24 hours of the attack.
Oil Prices Dip as Traders Bet on Containment
Surprisingly, global oil prices dipped by nearly 7% in the 24 hours following the attack. Analysts suggest that markets have priced in confidence in Gulf-based air defenses and do not currently expect a full-scale war. However, experts caution that a single failed interception or a shift in Tehran’s calculus could cause immediate price spikes and severe global market reaction.
Meanwhile, defense contractors including Raytheon and Lockheed Martin saw stock surges following news of the Patriot system’s performance.
Tehran’s Strategy: Diplomacy with Leverage
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the missile strike, referring to it as “a righteous blow against American arrogance.” However, Iranian diplomats stressed to European observers that the strike was not designed to kill Americans but to remind Washington of Tehran’s military reach.
Iran’s dual-track strategy—military escalation followed by diplomacy—is not new, but the precision and timing of this strike mark a new phase. For Tehran, establishing negotiating leverage appears more important than appearing cooperative at the outset.
Washington Watches and Waits
President Trump, speaking from the White House, downplayed the Iranian strike, calling it “very weak” and praising U.S. troops for protecting the base and showing restraint. However, Pentagon sources confirm that air and naval assets in the Gulf have been repositioned for readiness, and that the administration is reviewing retaliatory options should Iran obstruct IAEA access or raise enrichment past agreed limits.
The White House has not issued a red line but insiders say any enrichment past 60% or refusal to allow inspectors may be met with new bunker-buster strikes or joint operations with Israel.
The Bigger Picture
The missile strike at Al‑Udeid was not about destruction—it was about position. Iran entered talks with its head held high, and the U.S. held the line. Whether this posture leads to productive diplomacy or an eventual military confrontation is yet to be seen. But both sides have made one thing clear: they’re not stepping back.