Iran escalated tensions with the United States by launching at least six missiles at U.S. military outposts in Qatar on Monday, in direct retaliation for American airstrikes on its nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. Explosions were reported in Doha, though initial reports indicated no casualties. This represents Iran’s most direct strike on U.S. forces since the 2020 missile attacks after General Qasem Soleimani’s death. In response, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued a “shelter in place” advisory, while the State Department urged Americans globally to remain alert. Intelligence officials expect additional Iranian retaliation within 48 hours, and disruptions to regional travel and airspace have already begun. The situation marks a severe deterioration in diplomatic channels, amid already volatile Iran-Israel relations.

The initial American airstrikes were authorized by President Donald Trump without congressional approval, citing national security concerns. Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senators Tom Cotton, John Thune, and John Barrasso, have strongly backed the move, calling it proactive and defensive, aimed at halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. They argue that Iran’s consistent hostility and refusal to engage diplomatically left the U.S. with no alternative. Despite the magnitude of these events, U.S. officials have clarified that this does not constitute a declaration of war. Both the Trump and Biden administrations emphasize that the strikes were nuclear deterrence measures, not an attempt to initiate full-scale conflict. Still, the risk of broader military engagement remains high, with regional and global security hanging in the balance.