Trump in Situation Room amid alarming Iran strikes on US base in Qatar

President Donald Trump is in the White House Situation Room as Iran strikes a U.S. military base in Qatar with a missile. He is set to continue with a scheduled meeting of his national security team at 1 p.m. EDT (6 p.m. BST). American officials have been bracing for the chance that Iran could strike US installations in response to the attacks that occurred over the weekend.

The Trump administration said in a statement: “The White House and the Department of Defence are aware of and closely monitor potential threats."

Meanwhile, Iran has begun launching an attack against a US base in Qatar, Iran's state TV reports. An official close to the matter revealed that Iran has fired missiles at the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base.

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U.S. personnel at the embassies in Qatar and Bahrain are taking cover as Iran launches retaliatory missiles toward Qatar and Iraq, multiple sources told CNN.

The authorities have implemented these protective measures in response to imminent threats, sources added. However, Axios reported that the Trump administration had prior knowledge of Iran's attack.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that the “powerful and destructive missile attack” on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was a response to the US striking its nuclear facilities.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, relying on Almighty God and the faithful, proud people of Iran, will never leave any aggression against its territorial integrity, sovereignty, or national security unanswered,” the statement read.

The Qatari defense ministry reported that its air defense systems effectively intercepted a missile aimed at the Al Udeid Air Base, stating that the incident did not result in any casualties or injuries.

Qatar has condemned Iran for attacking the US’ Al Udeid Air Base, calling it “a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace.”

A resident of Doha and father of two said to CNN that the city was shaken by loud explosions, but Qatari authorities did not issue any warnings for citizens to seek shelter.