Iran destroyed key US communications dome in Qatar, satellite images confirm

An Iranian ballistic missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on June 23 damaged a geodesic dome used by the US military for secure satellite communications, the Associated Press reported, based on an analysis of satellite images and official statements. The base, located outside Doha, is home to the US Central Command’s forward headquarters and plays a central role in regional military operations.

The USD 15 million dome, installed in 2016, supported advanced satellite communications. While nearby structures showed minor damage, most of the base remained intact.

Following the publication of the report, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that a missile struck the radome, but stated that the damage was minimal and operations at the base remained unaffected. “Al Udeid remains fully operational,” he said. The strike came in response to a US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites during the recent 12-day Iran-Israel war.

According to US President Donald Trump, Iran gave advance warning of the strike, allowing US and Qatari defences to prepare. Trump said 14 Iranian missiles were launched, 13 intercepted, and one allowed to hit a “nonthreatening” target.

“I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice, which made it possible for no lives to be lost, and nobody to be injured,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Despite Iran’s claims that the base was “smashed” and its communications “cut off,” no US personnel were reported injured. Satellite images confirm the dome’s destruction, but show the rest of the base functioning normally.

The attack, followed quickly by a US-brokered ceasefire, de-escalated tensions and prevented a wider regional conflict.

– Ends

With inputs from Associated Press

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