Iranian Su-24 tactical bombers came within two minutes of striking a US military base in Qatar before Qatari F-15 fighters shot them down, CNN reported. The aircraft, carrying bombs and guided munitions, flew at low altitude to evade radar and ignored radio warnings as they approached al-Udeid Air Base, home to approximately 10,000 US soldiers, and the Ras Laffan gas facility.

The Qatari air force's first air-to-air combat operation marked an unusual escalation, as Iran typically uses missiles or drones rather than manned aircraft for such attacks. The jets were visually identified as hostile and eliminated just moments before reaching their targets. This incident represents a significant breach of Qatar's airspace and a direct threat to US military personnel stationed in the region.

Qatar's Prime Minister accused Iran of attempting to draw neighboring countries into unwanted conflict, citing this attack as part of a pattern of Iranian aggression. The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that Qatar reserves the right to self-defense, emphasizing that such attacks cannot go unanswered. The confrontation highlights growing tensions in the Gulf region and raises questions about Iran's strategic objectives in targeting critical infrastructure and US military installations.