Iran has launched a missile attack this morning on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating against the American bombing of its nuclear sites and escalating tensions in the volatile region.
A US Defence Department official has confirmed the attack but says no casualties have been reported. The official said Iran used short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles, and the US is continuing to monitor the situation.
Shortly after the attack, the Gulf nation of Bahrain that is home to the US 5th Fleet headquarters temporarily suspended flights in its airspace, which is similar to what Qatar did shortly before it was.
Qatar condemned the attack on Al Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace was now safe.
Qatar Airways, which flies from Australia to tourist destinations in Europe, confirmed that its flights had been temporarily suspended due to the closure of its airspace.
Five flights from Australia have already been impacted.
