Iran reacted on Monday after the United States attacked three of its nuclear installations by launching at least six missiles at American outposts in Qatar.
Iran reportedly launched six missiles toward US sites in Qatar, citing an Israeli official.
“Explosions were heard over Qatar capital Doha, according to both AFP and Reuters. There was no immediate information available on casualties. The attack is the second largest direct attack by Tehran on US targets after the Islamic Republic’s response to the killing of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani in 2020,” the AL-Monitor reported.
The US Embassy in Qatar issued an emergency “shelter in place” order for any Americans residing there on Monday, citing rising tensions with Iran.
The embassy stated that the advisory was issued “out of an abundance of caution” but did not provide any particular threats. The alert follows the State Department’s warning to the American people throughout the world in response to the US’s extraordinary strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Fox News reported on Monday morning that sources have said that Iran could be planning to attack a United States military base or region in Qatar within the “next 48 hours.”
“The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in d isruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,” the State Department said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday defended President Donald Trump’s use of the U.S. military to strike three suspected Iranian nuclear weapons facilities, saying that he didn’t need Congress’s approval to take the action.
Though Congress passed authorizations for the use of force in 2001 and 2002 ahead of the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, respectively, and though Democrats and some Republicans complained that Trump’s actions violated the Constitution, Johnson said the president had the statutory authority to take action deemed in the country’s national security interests.
“The President made the right call, and did what he needed to do. Leaders in Congress were aware of the urgency of this situation and the Commander-in-Chief evaluated that the imminent danger outweighed the time it would take for Congress to act,” Johnson wrote on the X platform.
“The world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, which chants ‘Death to America,’ simply could not be allowed the opportunity to obtain and use nuclear weapons. The President fully respects the Article I power of Congress, and tonight’s necessary, limited, and targeted strike follows the history and tradition of similar military actions under presidents of both parties,” he added.
On Sunday, several administration officials reiterated that the U.S. was not “at war” with Iran and that Trump’s actions were limited and specific.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also supported Trump’s actions.
“The regime in Iran, which has committed itself to bringing ‘death to America’ and wiping Israel off the map, has rejected all diplomatic pathways to peace. The mullahs’ misguided pursuit of nuclear weapons must be stopped. As we take action tonight to ensure a nuclear weapon remains out of reach for Iran, I stand with President Trump and pray for the American troops and personnel in harm’s way,” he said.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wy.) added, “President @realDonaldTrump’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear program is the right one. The greatest threat to the safety of the United States and the world is Iran with a nuclear weapon. God Bless our troops.”
Republican Conference Chairman and U.S. Army veteran Sen. Tom Cotton agreed as well, noting Iran’s history of attacking Americans and American interests for decades.
“Iran has waged a war of terror against the United States for 46 years. We could never allow Iran to get nuclear weapons. God bless our brave troops. President Trump made the right call and the ayatollahs should recall his warning not to target Americans,” he said.
