Iran Goes Full Baghdad Bob, Claims Attack ‘Destroyed’ U.S. Air Base In Qatar

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council took a page directly from the Baghdad Bob playbook and claimed on Monday that Iranian missiles had “destroyed the U.S. air base in Al-Udeid, Qatar,” in response to the targeted American strikes on Iranian nuclear sites that took place on Saturday.

As reported by i24 News Senior Middle East correspondent Ariel Oseran, “Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: ‘Our forces destroyed the U.S. air base in Al-Udeid, Qatar, in response to America’s attack against our nuclear facilities… This action does not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar.'”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council: “Our forces destroyed the U.S. air base in Al-Udeid, Qatar, in response to America’s attack against our nuclear facilities… This action does not pose any threat to our friendly and brotherly country, Qatar.” pic.twitter.com/8DKcT854A8

— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) June 23, 2025

But Oseran also noted that Qatari officials had reported a different version of events: “Qatari air defenses shot down 9 out of 10 Iranian missiles launched at the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar’s Al-Araby TV reports. One Iranian missile fell in an open area at the air base.”

Qatari air defenses shot down 9 out of 10 Iranian missiles launched at the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base, Qatar’s Al-Araby TV reports. One Iranian missile fell in an open area at at the air base. https://t.co/9UVSxt4Pb5

— Ariel Oseran أريئل أوسيران (@ariel_oseran) June 23, 2025

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari released a statement condemning the attack, but also casting doubt on the Iranian version of events.

We express the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law and the United Nations Charter. We affirm that the State of Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner proportional to the nature and scale of this blatant aggression and in accordance with international law. We are reassured that Qatari air defenses thwarted the attack and successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles. The Ministry of Defense will issue a statement clarifying the circumstances of the attack later.

We also affirm that the continuation of such escalating military actions will undermine security and stability in the region and drag it into situations that will have disastrous repercussions for international peace and security. We call for an immediate cessation of all military actions and a serious return to the negotiating table and dialogue. We emphasize that the State of Qatar was among the first countries to warn against the consequences of Israeli escalation in the region*, calling for the priority of diplomatic solutions, and adhering to the principles of good neighborliness and non-escalation, affirming that dialogue is the only way to overcome current crises and preserve the security of the region and the peace of its peoples.

The base had been evacuated earlier in accordance with approved security and precautionary measures, in light of the tensions currently prevailing in the region. All necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the base’s personnel, including members of the Qatari Armed Forces, friendly forces, and others. He confirmed that no injuries or human losses occurred as a result of the attack.

Multiple reports also claimed that Iran had warned Qatar prior to the attack: “Iran symbolically needed to strike back at the U.S. but at the same time carry it out in in a way that allowed all sides an exit ramp.”

NYT: Iran coordinated the attack with Qatar to minimize casualties.

“Iran symbolically needed to strike back at the U.S.” and “allow all sides an exit ramp” — similar to their response in 2020 following Soleimani pic.twitter.com/9aM6yEOk8K

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) June 23, 2025

President Donald Trump also responded to the attack, confirming that there were no reported casualties.

“I’d like to thank the Highly Respected Emir of Qatar for all that he has done in seeking Peace for the Region. Regarding the attack today at the American Base in Qatar, I am pleased to report that, in addition to no Americans being killed or wounded, very importantly, there have also been no Qataris killed or wounded. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” he posted via his Truth Social account.

pic.twitter.com/y2PfbJGgZY

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 23, 2025