Qatar closes airspace as Iran threatens US retaliation
Qatari officials temporarily closed the nation's airspace on Monday as Iran threatens to retaliate for U.S. strikes on three of its nuclear sites this past weekend.
“The competent Qatari authorities announce the temporary suspension of air traffic in the country's airspace out of concern for the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors,” Qatar’s ministry of foreign affairs posted on the social platform X on Monday.
In a corresponding statement, the Qatari foreign ministry said the move is one of several “precautionary measures taken based on developments in the region.”
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that official authorities are closely and continuously monitoring the situation, assessing developments in coordination with regional and international partners, and will provide the public with updated information in a timely manner through official channels,” the statement read.
Earlier on Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar advised U.S. citizens in the country to “shelter in place until further notice,” saying the alert was issued “out of an abundance of caution.”
The developments come as the world braces for Iran’s response after President Trump on Saturday evening ordered U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites: in Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow, the last of which is in a mountain.
Fears are running high that Iran could retaliate against any of the 40,000 U.S. forces in the Middle East or through other means and targets. Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base.
The BBC reported that there is a “credible threat” to a U.S.-run air base in Qatar.