Latest news with #Gulf region
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Watch: How Qatar shot down multiple missiles during Iran attack on US base in June
Qatar's Ministry of Defence released a video showcasing the nation's swift and coordinated response to the Iranian missile strike that targeted the US airbase of Al Udeid on June 23. Tensions in the region were escalating rapidly amid Israel's wave of attacks against Iran that started on June 13, and Tehran's retaliatory missile strikes on Israel. As the airwar extended for days, the US decided to join by striking three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, in what US President Donald Trump called a "very successful attack," adding that the crown jewel of Tehran's nuclear programme, Fordow, is gone. Tehran vowed to respond to these US attacks. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Well-prepared In the aftermath of the surprising US attacks on the nuclear sites, many speculated on the Iranian response, and hitting the US bases in the Gulf region was among the possible scenarios. In a 14.14-minute-long video, the Qatari Ministry of Defence presented a detailed account of these days. Long before the attack on the US base and amid the escalating unrest, Qatari armed forces boosted their preparedness by increasing the deployment of their maritime assets. Rapid response jets such as Sejeel and fighter groups like Ababeel, Aladiyat and Alzaryat were hovering over the country's airspace. Qatari officer Captain Mohammed Robeiah Alkaabi said in the video posted by the ministry on X that his forces received intelligence information that Al Udeid airbase will possibly be targeted. Jets groups were then sent for patrols around the clock, and the number of maritime assets in Qatar's Exclusive Economic Zone were increased. — Ù�زارة اÙ�دÙ�اع - دÙ�Ù�Ø© Ù�طر (@MOD_Qatar) July 21, 2025 'Breaking the spears' To clear the skies for what is possibly coming, and ensure civilian aircraft were away from danger, Qatar decided to close its airspace completely. At exactly at 7.29pm, Qatari forces learned about the first wave if Iranian missiles that were launched towards Qatar. And the operation "Breaking the spears" started. Early warning sirens sounded in all the Qatari Armed Forces' bases, to inform of incoming ballistic missiles coming from the north east. Captain Alkaabi said that by then, all units involved in the operation knew that there was no room for mistake. "The state's skies should be protected," he stated. The video then shows how military units were coordinating work, exchanging messages to fire interceptive missiles one by one in the Qatari skies. All missiles were intercepted, the officers said in the video, except for one. With eyes filled with tears of joy, Qatari officers recall these tense moments. One of them said: "It was an unforgettable moment. All other officers wished to be in my place on that day." Feelings of pride overwhelmed the Qatari officers who appeared in the video, with one of them saying: "We are ready for this and for what is bigger than this." The aftermath At 7.49pm the mission was successfully accomplished. After the interceptions, orders were issued to ground forces, military police units, medical services leadership, units of defence against weapons of mass destruction and central firefighters' forces to head immediately to locations of intercepted missiles. Directions were clear. These forces were asked to check for any damage and deal with the aftermath of the attack. There was a report of a fire that was contained within 20 minutes. The number of teams specialised in handling missile debris and strange objects was increased. 88 reports were received during the first 12 hours of the Iranian attack. The video shows men in protective gear checking missile debris. Field survey work was done around the country to make sure these debris did not carry any harmful chemical or radioactive materials. After Qatar made sure the threat was completely over, authorities ordered the reopening of the country's airspace at 11.25 pm.
Japan Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Japan Times
Trump's Iran attack shows what it takes to win his military support
When American forces carried out airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities last month, the world was shocked that U.S. President Donald Trump, who has consistently maintained that he wanted to avoid foreign military confrontations, directly attacked the Middle Eastern country, even though it was described as just a 'surgical strike.' The attack may have triggered tectonic shifts in the Gulf region, and the rivalry between Iran, the United States and Israel is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. While global attention may now turn to the possibility of a Gaza cease-fire or more U.S. strikes on Iran, my focus is elsewhere. The most significant point about this incident is the lesson it offers U.S. allies, especially in the Indo-Pacific, about how to convince a hesitant U.S. president to take military action abroad. Israel managed to persuade Trump — who had long avoided foreign intervention — to strike Iran. As a former diplomat, I was struck by the extent of Israel's diplomatic influence, especially Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political and negotiating skills, which surpassed all expectations.
