Iran Continues Counterattacks After US Claims of Ceasefire

DUBAI, TUESDAY - In response to the United States' attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, Iran launched a retaliatory strike on a US military base in Qatar on Monday (23/6/2025) evening local time. Subsequently, on Tuesday (24/6) morning, Iran continued to launch five waves of missile attacks on Israel.

Shortly after Iran's retaliatory attack on the US base at Al Udeid in Qatar on Monday night, US President Donald announced that Iran and Israel had agreed to a total and comprehensive ceasefire.

Through his social media account, Truth Social, Trump stated that the ceasefire would be implemented in stages. It would begin with Iran halting attacks approximately 6 hours after the announcement of the ceasefire by Trump. Then, starting 12 hours after the announcement, Israel would cease its attacks. Within 24 hours, it is targeted that the open conflict between Iran and Israel, which has lasted for 12 days, will be completely resolved.

In response to the U.S. claim of a ceasefire, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran would halt its attacks if Israel ended its airstrikes.

Since Trump's announcement regarding the ceasefire, Iran has launched five waves of missile attacks on Israel. The Iranian missile strikes, which forced Israeli citizens to take shelter in bunkers, lasted for nearly two hours on Tuesday morning.

Israel's emergency rescue service, Magen David Adom, reported that at least three people were killed and eight others injured as a result of the Iranian attack. There are also residents trapped in the rubble of heavily damaged buildings due to the Iranian missiles.

Previously, in Iran's retaliatory attack on the Al Udeid US Base in Qatar, there were no casualties. However, the Iranian attack caused Gulf countries to close their airspace and resulted in flight disruptions.

Major General Shayeq Al Hajri, a military officer from Qatar, explained to reporters on Monday night local time that Iran initially fired seven missiles. Qatar's Air Defense successfully intercepted those seven missiles over the waters between the two countries.

"Iran then fired 12 more missiles. A total of 11 missiles were intercepted over Qatari territory, but one missile hit a US base," said Al Hajri.

However, the damage caused by the missile strike was not explained. The number of missiles differs from the figure provided by US President Donald Trump.

According to Trump, Iran fired 14 missiles, of which 13 were successfully intercepted, but one missile was allowed to pass as it did not pose a threat. Trump also stated that Iran had previously warned the United States before carrying out a retaliatory attack on the military base in Qatar.

"I want to thank Iran for warning us. That warning ensured that no lives were lost, and no one was injured," Trump wrote on social media.

Trump also expressed hope that the missiles would be the end of Iran's retaliation for US attacks on Iran's nuclear sites.

Iran's attack on Qatar has raised alarm bells for countries hosting US military bases. They have closed their airspace as a precaution. This measure is a response to the anticipation that the security situation in the region could change rapidly.

In addition to Qatar, Iraq has also implemented a complete closure of its airspace. Most of Iraq's airspace has been closed due to the ongoing Israel-Iran war. However, the airport in the southern city of Basra was reopened on Monday.

Bahrain also temporarily closed its airspace after Iran attacked Qatar with missiles. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) closed its airspace to flights.

The closure of airspace by Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and the UAE has made airlines operating routes to and from the Middle East increasingly cautious. Many airlines have suspended more flights to the Middle East. The temporary closure of airspace and flight suspensions have caused the latest chaos in air travel in the Middle East.

According to data from Flightradar24, a real-time air traffic tracking site, airports across the Gulf are warning about canceled, delayed, and diverted flights. Aircraft are turning back from the Gulf region.

The chaos resulting from the suspension of flights to the Middle East actually began after Israel attacked Iran on Friday (13/6/2025). Osprey Flight Solutions, an aviation risk consultancy, stated that the Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted major flight routes in a very busy airspace.

The UN Security Council has passed a draft resolution on the Israel-Iran conflict. The draft calls for a complete and unconditional ceasefire.

"UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres openly and personally supports all diplomatic efforts that can be restored," said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

“The UN secretary-general condemns any escalation in this conflict,” Dujarric told UN reporters on Monday.

When asked about France and Russia offering to mediate in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, Dujarric stated that there are also other countries that have offered to do so. "We have seen Oman being very productive in this regard, and I think anyone who can help should help," said Dujarric.

"What we need to look at is not more missiles being launched in two directions or in different directions. What we need to look at is, as we have said, a return to diplomacy," added Dujarric.

Dijarric emphasized, "The more we see the use of unilateral force, the more we see violations of international law, the greater the risk to the region."

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through an official statement on Monday, also stated, "The regional crisis can only be resolved through dialogue, utilizing diplomatic channels, and avoiding military options, which will only lead to further escalation and suffering."

The statement did not condemn Iran's retaliatory attacks. However, it became an expression of Iraq's deep concern over the dangerous and rapidly escalating conflict in the region. (AP/AFP/REUTERS)