US prepares for 'imminent' threat of Iranian attack on Qatar airbase: Report

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US military is bracing for an "imminent threat of a potential Iranian strike on its largest Middle East airbase in Qatar, according to Fox News reports Monday, as regional tensions escalate following American attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Fox News learned that significant intelligence warnings are concentrated on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which serves as America's primary operational hub in the region.

Sources indicated the US relocated much of its non-hangered aircraft from the base last week before strikes on Iran. Iran may target the installation using short- or medium-range cruise missiles or drone swarms, the sources said.

The US targeted Iran’s nuclear sites with six bunker-buster bombs dropped on the Fordo facility with B-2 stealth bombers, along with dozens of submarine-launched cruise missile strikes on the Natanz and Isfahan facilities.

Iran's Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi vowed Monday that US nuclear facility strikes "will not go unanswered," calling the attacks a "crime."

US President Donald Trump warned that any Iranian retaliation "will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed" during weekend strikes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called potential attacks on American forces Iran's "worst mistake."

Qatar temporarily closed its airspace Monday evening to ensure citizen safety amid escalating tensions, the Foreign Ministry announced.

The US Embassy in Qatar advised American nationals to "shelter in place" until further notice following the military conflict escalation.