An Iranian missile strike on a US airbase in Qatar destroyed a key communications dome, satellite images confirm, though operations continued and no injuries were reported amid rising regional tensions.
An Iranian missile strike on a US airbase in Qatar destroyed a key communications dome, satellite images confirm. (AP Photo)
India Today World Desk
UPDATED: Jul 12, 2025
Written By: Aashish Vashistha
In ShortIran struck Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with ballistic missiles on June 23
A USD 15 million geodesic dome for US satellite communications was damaged
Pentagon confirmed minimal damage, base remains fully operational
An Iranian ballistic missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23 damaged a geodesic dome used by the US military for secure satellite communications, the Associated Press reported, based on an analysis of satellite images and official statements. The base, located outside Doha, is home to the US Central Command’s forward headquarters and plays a central role in regional military operations.
The USD 15 million dome, installed in 2016, supported advanced satellite communications. While nearby structures showed minor damage, most of the base remained intact.
Following the publication of the report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that a missile struck the radome, but stated that the damage was minimal and operations at the base remained unaffected. “Al Udeid remains fully operational,” he said. The strike came in response to a US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites during the recent 12-day Iran-Israel war.
According to US President Donald Trump, Iran gave advance warning of the strike, allowing US and Qatari defences to prepare. Trump said 14 Iranian missiles were launched, 13 intercepted, and one allowed to hit a “nonthreatening” target.
“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Despite Iran’s claims that the base was “smashed” and its communications "cut off," no US personnel were reported injured. Satellite images confirm the dome's destruction, but show the rest of the base functioning normally.
The attack, followed quickly by a US-brokered ceasefire, de-escalated tensions and prevented a wider regional conflict.
- Ends
With inputs from Associated Press
Pentagon confirms Iranian ballistic missile struck US air base in Qatar
'Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission,' spokesman Parnell tells Anadolu
Diyar Güldoğan |12.07.2025 - AA
WASHINGTON
The Pentagon confirmed Friday that one ballistic missile fired by Iran last month struck US' Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
"One Iranian ballistic missile impacted Al Udeid Air Base June 23 while the remainder of the missiles were intercepted by U.S. and Qatari air defense systems," chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to Anadolu.
Parnell said the impact did "minimal damage" to equipment and structures on the base, adding there were no injuries.
"Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region," he added.
Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the air base marking a dramatic escalation in tensions following the US targeting of three Iranian nuclear sites on June 21.
Following the incident, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US forces in the region, said American forces, alongside Qatar, "successfully" defended against the attack.
US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine told the reporters on June 26 that repelling the attack on the air base was "the largest single Patriot engagement in US military history."
Caine said the US military was joined in protecting the installation by Qatari Patriot crews as well. While Caine wouldn't say how many Patriot missiles were launched, he did say there was "a lot of metal flying around."
'Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission,' spokesman Parnell tells Anadolu
Diyar Güldoğan |12.07.2025 - AA
WASHINGTON
The Pentagon confirmed Friday that one ballistic missile fired by Iran last month struck US' Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
"One Iranian ballistic missile impacted Al Udeid Air Base June 23 while the remainder of the missiles were intercepted by U.S. and Qatari air defense systems," chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement to Anadolu.
Parnell said the impact did "minimal damage" to equipment and structures on the base, adding there were no injuries.
"Al Udeid Air Base remains fully operational and capable of conducting its mission, alongside our Qatari partners, to provide security and stability in the region," he added.
Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the air base marking a dramatic escalation in tensions following the US targeting of three Iranian nuclear sites on June 21.
Following the incident, US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees US forces in the region, said American forces, alongside Qatar, "successfully" defended against the attack.
US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine told the reporters on June 26 that repelling the attack on the air base was "the largest single Patriot engagement in US military history."
Caine said the US military was joined in protecting the installation by Qatari Patriot crews as well. While Caine wouldn't say how many Patriot missiles were launched, he did say there was "a lot of metal flying around."
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