Qatar’s military reported successfully intercepting and destroying two Iranian fighter jets, alongside seven ballistic missiles and five unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), in a dramatic escalation of Gulf tensions. Qatari officials identified the aircraft as Russian-made SU-24s.
The confrontation comes amid Iran’s ongoing campaign of strikes targeting U.S. bases and allied interests across the Middle East, which Tehran frames as retaliation for recent American and Israeli operations on Iranian soil.
Gulf nations, including Qatar, have reiterated their commitment to defending national airspace against Iranian attacks, with neighboring states such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman also reporting threats.
Casualties from the broader conflict have been significant. At least four U.S. service members have died in recent Iranian attacks, and three American fighter jets were downed in Kuwait, incidents U.S. officials attributed to accidental “friendly fire.” Meanwhile, Iran claims the U.S. and Israeli strikes have killed over 550 Iranians, including high-ranking military officials and top leaders.
In retaliation, Iranian attacks have reportedly killed more than ten Israeli civilians and military personnel. The current cycle of violence erupted last Saturday, following what Tehran described as unprovoked airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iranian territory.
