Explosions Reported in Doha Amid Rising Tensions with Iran
Doha/Istanbul/Tel Aviv - Explosions were reported over the capital of Qatar, Doha, on Monday, following credible threats from Iran aimed at U.S. military installations in the region. A Western diplomat confirmed that the al Udeid air base, operated by the U.S. in Qatar, has been under threat since midday, leading to heightened security measures.
In response to the situation, Qatar announced a temporary closure of its airspace to safeguard the well-being of its residents and visitors. Concurrently, the U.S. embassy in Qatar advised American citizens to remain indoors as a precautionary measure, citing a commitment to ensuring their safety.
The Iranian government has voiced intentions to retaliate against the U.S. following airstrikes that targeted its underground nuclear facilities over the weekend. These airstrikes involved the deployment of 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, intensifying the conflict between the two nations. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of regime change in Iran, which further escalates the ongoing tensions.
In a related development, Israel conducted a strike on a prison facility in Tehran, a move that signifies an expansion of its military objectives beyond just nuclear sites to include critical infrastructure supporting Iran's governing framework.
According to two U.S. officials, there is a growing assessment that Iran may soon undertake attacks targeting American military forces across the Middle East. Despite this, the U.S. continues to pursue a diplomatic approach aimed at averting further escalation and encouraging Iran to refrain from retaliatory actions.
While Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments from the Gulf region, market reactions suggest a level of skepticism among traders regarding the likelihood of such disruptions occurring, as oil prices remained relatively stable.
In a bid to garner support from allies, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This meeting reflects Tehran's efforts to seek backing from one of its remaining key allies amid increasing isolation.
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