 "Explosions could be heard over Doha on Monday, shortly after Qatar, which hosts the biggest US base in the Middle East, suspended air traffic. Screengrab")
The Indian Embassy in Doha has asked Indian nationals to stay indoors and exercise utmost caution after Iran struck US military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday.
Catch all live updates on the Israel-Iran conflict here
The Indian Embassy said in a statement, “In view of the ongoing situation, the Indian community in Qatar is urged to remain cautious and stay indoors. Please remain calm and follow local news, instructions, and guidance provided by Qatari authorities.”
Iran launched an attack on American bases in Qatar in retaliation for Washington’s strikes on key nuclear facilities over the weekend, officially joining the conflict. US President Donald Trump shrugged off Tehran’s response as “very weak”.
Qatar, which lies 190 kilometres (120 miles) south of Iran and is home to the largest US military facility in West Asia, said its “air defences successfully intercepted a missile attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base”.
A US defence official said that no one was hurt in the attack, as Trump said that Tehran had given prior notice before launching its strikes on the Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha.
Qatar shuts its airspace, then reopens it
After the attacks on American bases were officially announced by Iran, Qatar shut its airspace as tensions in the region grew.
Global airlines have suspended or reduced flights in West Asia as the conflict between Israel and Iran rages and the United States joins the fight.
However, the Qatari aviation authority said that it had opened its airspace for commercial flights.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“The General Civil Aviation Authority announces the resumption of air traffic in the airspace of the State of Qatar and the return of the atmosphere to normal,” it said in a statement on X.
Trump announces ceasefire
Meanwhile, Trump has announced that Iran and Israel have reached a ceasefire that would bring about an “official end” to their conflict, a claim that has been rejected by Tehran.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that while Tehran has not agreed to a ceasefire yet, Iran will stop its attacks if Israel halts its aggression.
With inputs from agencies