"Iran gave advance notice of missile strike on U.S. base in Qatar" ... Trump says "Thank you"

'Agreed sparring' with the U.S. to avoid escalation

14 missiles launched in proportion to bunker buster strikes

Iran fired 14 missiles at a U.S. military base in Qatar in retaliation for the U.S. bombing of its nuclear facilities. However, Iran notified both the United States and Qatar in advance of the attack plans, resulting in no casualties. This move is seen as a kind of 'agreed sparring' to avoid further escalation through a symbolic level of retaliation.

According to Reuters, on the 23rd (local time), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched 14 ballistic missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. This base is considered the most strategically important U.S. military base in the Middle East. The Iranian side stated, "We responded with the same number of missiles as the bunker busters used in the U.S. airstrikes."

The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) of Iran emphasized, "We precisely calibrated the intensity of the retaliation," and stressed, "No harm was done to Qatar or its people." According to Iran's state-run Press TV, the operation was carried out by the IRGC under the joint command of the SNSC and the military's unified command.

The U.S. side said there were no casualties from this attack. President Donald Trump said via social media, "13 out of 14 missiles were intercepted, and the remaining one was left alone as it was headed in a non-threatening direction. No Americans were harmed." He also added, "Thanks to Iran’s advance notice, damage was prevented," and "I appreciate that." The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, reported that the Qatari government had received prior notification of the attack plans.

However, the Qatari government, which was targeted by the attack, declared, "We have the right to respond directly under international law." Arab nations such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt also criticized the incident as "a clear violation of Qatar's sovereignty."

Iran attached political messages to the operation with names such as 'Promise of Victory' and 'News of Victory.' The IRGC stated, "This operation sends a clear message to the White House and its allies," warning that "any violation of our territory and sovereignty will not be tolerated." Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also expressed a strong stance, saying, "We have never committed aggression against anyone, and we will never tolerate any aggression."

Sohyun Lee, y2eonlee@hankyung.com