Caesura Iran struck American military base called Al Udeid Air Base of Qatar in a missile blast, further stoking already boiling fire in the Middle East. The attack, an Iranian response to US action over alleged attacks of its nuclear plants. Will bring about a big escalation between the two perennial rivals. The testimony of witnesses in Doha speaks of flashes of light and loud blasts. Showing that a new and more extremely dangerous stage of conflict has begun.
Tensions between the US and Iran
For decades the relations between the United States and Iran have been poor, especially when it comes to nuclear ambitions, military presence in the Gulf, and sanctions. The US attacks on Iranian nuclear installations that have been carried out recently. And which are still not completely disclosed by Washington seem to have caused the reaction on the part of Iran. Tehran believes that this offensive attack is a direct attack on its sovereignty and in direct interference with its national security and will not hesitate to respond militarily.
Iran’s Justification
The aggression was a drone strike by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) which it has termed as the “Operation Annunciation of Victory.” The IRGC said in an official announcement that the attack was a strong and crushing retaliation to American military aggression. The announcement insisted that the missile attack was in the name of defending the Iranian territorial integrity. And threatened to respond to any forms of attack on the grounds with equal force.
Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
There are some strategic reasons why Iran selected Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as its major target. The base does not only act as the largest US military based in the Middle East itself but it also acts as the Headquarters of US Central Command activities in the Middle East. Tehran described the base as an American terrorist army strategic asset implying that the handicapping of this facility would crash the US clout in West Asia.
What Happened in the field?
People of Doha and surrounding regions said they witnessed flashes in the sky accompanied by loud bangs which signify missile launches. Though officials still need to assess the full extent of the damage, preliminary reports indicate that the missile attack caused very precise damage. One since it targeted the regions of the military either directly or indirectly and spared the residential areas. Iran stated that it was cautious not to inflict damage to Qatari civics or infrastructures.
Diplomatic message of Iran to Qatar
Interestingly, Iran even took an extra mile to assure Qatar that the attack targeted it because it did not fight the country. Through a statement released by Supreme National Security Council of Iran. Tehran reiterated on its intention to uphold a good and brotherly relationship with Qatar. The statement said, this action is not an operation that threatens the friendly and brotherly country. Qatar and Iran has the interest of isolating the US forces in the regions without the correlation of its allies.
Waiting to be Responded
The US government has not yet given its full response to Qatar regarding the Iranian missile attack. Nevertheless, there are also military intelligence suggestions of additional alertness across all American installations across the Gulf. The US allies such as UK and NATO have criticized the attacks and urged both sides to exercise caution. Biden is apparently consulting at high levels on what the next step should be.
Regional Implications and Global Reactions
The world community has reacted looking worried about the escalation. The United Nations has requested the two countries to practice extreme restraint on the threat that the conflict could cause instability in the whole region. Other neighboring nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey have also become keen to observe the situation. They worry that a further attack will plunge the entire Gulf into a larger conflict.
Consequences Military and Strategic
The response which Iran launched proves that it has increased its trust in its missile power and is ready to dispute the US military authority in the region. Any attack of such a large base may affect the air activities and logistics of the US in West Asia. The military experts indicate that the Iranian attack is not merely a response action but it is rather a precaution open threat. That America staying in the Gulf is a challenge and it is going to cost them, should animosity persist.
Conclusion
The attack on the US base in Qatar by missiles is one of the apexes when it comes to the tensions between the US and Iran and it is a new challenge to the stability of the region. One of the implications is that although Iran argues that the strike was not an act of war against Qatar. The move was strategically a military action. It is now the turn of Washington and the way US state would react will define the future of the Gulf in decades to come. The only way out is through diplomacy and prevent a full-blown conflict which none can ever afford.
