In a rapid escalation of Middle East hostilities, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired over a dozen ballistic and cruise missiles at Al‐Asad Air Base in Iraq early Monday, marking the first direct Iranian assault on a US military installation since President Trump ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites last week. The attack caused significant damage to hangars and runways, injured at least five US service members, and shattered any lingering illusion of restraint on either side.
The Pentagon’s official statement confirmed that Iran launched 14 missiles—including Fateh-110 short-range ballistic missiles and Noor anti-ship cruise variants—at the sprawling base roughly 200 miles west of Baghdad. “We assess significant structural damage to three aircraft shelters and runway sections,” said Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder during a press briefing.
@DeptofDefense “Iran’s brazen attack on Al‐Asad violated Iraqi sovereignty and endangered US personnel. We will defend our forces.” via X
Al‐Asad, home to US A-10 Warthogs and MQ-9 Reaper drones, had been on high alert since Trump announced the June 22 bombing of Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan facilities. According to a Reuters report, early-warning radars detected inbound threats at 3:14 a.m. local time, triggering base-wide shelter-in-place orders and automated air defenses.
On the ground, US Central Command (CENTCOM) immediately scrambled F-15E Strike Eagles from nearby Erbil Air Base and deployed Patriot missile batteries to intercept additional Iranian ordnance. CENTCOM’s press release praised base personnel: “Their swift actions and mastery of air-defense protocols prevented further damage and likely saved lives.”
@CENTCOM “Our forces demonstrated resilience under fire. We will continue to defend all coalition bases.” via X
The strikes on Al‐Asad follow Iran’s promise of “decisive reprisals” after US bombers obliterated critical uranium enrichment halls. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei had vowed to “make them regret” any aggression, a stance reiterated by IRGC spokesman Gen. Ramezan Sharif in a statement published on state news agency IRNA. “Our missile forces have delivered the first of many responses,” he declared.
Five US service members sustained minor shrapnel wounds and concussive trauma; none are in critical condition. Medical teams at the base hospital treated them for mild injuries, and all were expected to return to duty within days, according to Air Force Surgeon Col. Amy Lawrence in a briefing covered by CNN.
@CNNPolitics “At least 5 US troops hurt in Iranian missile strikes at Al‐Asad; base braces for more potential attacks.” via X
Back in Washington, the White House convened an emergency National Security Council session. In a televised address, President Trump warned Tehran: “We will not tolerate attacks on our forces. Any further aggression will be met with overwhelming force.” He also called on NATO allies to “stand with us in defending peace and stability in the region,” a plea echoed by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a press conference.
Congressional reaction split along party lines. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised the President’s resolve, saying on the Senate floor that “today’s strike underscores the necessity of showing strength.” Conversely, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) criticized the administration’s unilateral actions in a Politico interview: “We must pursue diplomatic channels—escalation endangers our troops and regional civilians.”
@SenMenendez “Bombing our own allies’ territory and inviting retaliation is reckless. Congress must be involved.” via X
Internationally, NATO issued a statement of “solidarity with the United States,” while urging de-escalation. The European Union’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted: “Violence begets violence. We call on all sides to return to dialogue under the UN Charter.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, via MID dispatch, condemned both strikes as violations of international law.
Regional partners in the Gulf are bracing for fallout. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense issued a travel advisory to citizens in Iraq, and Kuwait mobilized additional air defenses near US bases. Meanwhile, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) voiced concern over civilian displacement, noting that villages near Al‐Asad may face grid blackouts and water shortages due to runway damage.
Analysts warn that Iran could expand its retaliation beyond Iraq. Middle East security expert Dr. Sarah Collins wrote in a Foreign Affairs article that Tehran’s next moves could include cyberattacks on US military networks and drone assaults on Persian Gulf shipping lanes, triggering a multifaceted confrontation.
@ForeignAffairs “Iran’s response may go beyond missiles—cyber and proxy tactics loom as significant threats.” via X
For now, Al‐Asad remains on high alert. Additional Patriot and THAAD batteries are en route, and US Central Command has raised force protection levels across all bases in the region. Military logistics hubs in Qatar and the UAE stand ready to support reinforcements if necessary.
As the dust settles on this tit-for-tat exchange, one thing is certain: the strike-and-retaliate cycle between Washington and Tehran shows no sign of abating, and the implications for global security and energy markets grow more dire with each salvo.
