Fragile Ceasefire Follows Iranian Missile Strikes on U.S. Bases in Qatar and Iraq

Tehran, June 24, 2025: Iran announced on Tuesday that it had imposed a ceasefire in its 12-day war with Israel after it launched a barrage of ballistic missiles on June 23 at two major U.S. military installations—Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and Al Asad Base in western Iraq. The Iranian missile attacks triggered widespread panic and disruption to normal life in the Gulf states, raising fears of a broader conflict before a tentative ceasefire was announced late Monday.

Iranian state television declared that a truce had been “imposed on the enemy”, even as Israeli authorities reported new incoming missile attacks early Tuesday that struck a residential building in southern Israel, killing at least three civilians.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire late Monday evening, stating it would take effect six hours from his announcement—around midnight Eastern Time, or 7 a.m. Tuesday in Israel. Trump claimed that both Iran and Israel approached him seeking peace. However, Iran's state media reported that it was Trump who begged Iran for a ceasefire shortly after Iran’s strikes on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli officials have yet to confirm their participation, and Iran continued limited missile activity overnight. One missile reportedly hit Israeli civilian infrastructure, casting doubt on the truce's stability.

Qatar, which hosts the targeted Al Udeid base, swiftly closed its airspace before the Iranian missile attacks. According to Qatari defence sources, 19 missiles were launched by Iran on Qatari territory. Out of these, seven were intercepted over water, 11 over land, and one impacted the U.S. base without causing casualties. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a breach of sovereignty and signalled its right to respond under international law.

Across the Gulf, nations including the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain imposed temporary airspace closures, forcing hundreds of flights to reroute or return mid-route. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines suspended services to affected hubs, while flights from India were diverted over the Arabian Sea.

Governments of Gulf nations enacted various civil protection measures. U.S. and U.K. diplomatic missions in Qatar advised citizens to remain indoors, while many Qatari businesses adopted remote or staggered work arrangements. Public institutions, including hospitals and schools, were placed on high alert, although no mass evacuations were ordered.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to de-escalate the situation, with Qatar acting as the primary mediator between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Meanwhile, regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Oman, issued strong condemnations of Iran’s missile strikes, labelling them as violations of international norms.

The global response to the attacks by Iran was mixed: Russia and China urged restraint while criticising prior U.S. actions; Western nations, including France and EU bodies, called for immediate de-escalation. U.S. bases in Qatar, Iraq, and Syria remain on high alert, and Iran has warned it will retaliate again if provoked. 

As the ceasefire hangs in the balance, the coming hours and diplomatic developments—particularly Qatar’s continued mediation—will likely determine whether the region moves toward de-escalation or spirals into renewed conflict.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image Credit: AP File Photos