Singaporean Witness Describes Iran's Missile Attack on US Base in Qatar

In a dramatic account of recent military tensions in the Middle East, Singaporean tennis coach Hashim Sidek recounted witnessing an airborne confrontation on June 23, 2025, while celebrating his grandson's first birthday in Doha, Qatar. Sidek, 64, was in a shopping mall with his family when missiles launched by Iran targeted the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the region.

According to Sidek, chaos erupted as he and other patrons observed two missiles being intercepted by two counter-missiles in the sky. 'Suddenly, some people were running towards the door that leads to the carpark,' he recalled. 'We rushed to our Uber driver’s car that we hailed through the app. Many people were outside already, panicking and also looking at the sky to see the missiles.'

The missile strikes were Iran's retaliation against recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which took place on June 21, 2025. Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel on the same day, following a series of exchanges of airstrikes that had escalated since June 13, 2025. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries from the attacks on the Al Udeid Air Base.

Mr. Sidek and his wife, who had arrived in Qatar just a day earlier on June 22, expressed their anxiety and desire to return home to Singapore. Their son, a pilot with Qatar Airways, is making arrangements for an earlier flight back, initially planned for a two-week stay. 'We are actually cutting our trip here short,' said Mr. Sidek. 'It was supposed to be for two weeks but we decided to go back at the earliest opportunity.'

The situation underscores the volatile dynamics in the region, where military actions can escalate rapidly. The Al Udeid Air Base has been a focal point of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, and its proximity to Iran makes it a strategic target amidst ongoing tensions.

As military engagements between Iran and the U.S. continue to unfold, analysts are closely monitoring the potential implications for regional stability and international relations. Dr. Emily Chen, a Senior Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted, 'The Al Udeid Air Base is crucial for U.S. operations in the region, and any attacks on it can provoke significant retaliatory measures, impacting diplomatic relations and security strategies.'

Furthermore, the recent ceasefire announcement by President Trump illustrates the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations. Dr. Mark Thompson, an expert in international relations at Georgetown University, commented, 'While the ceasefire is a step towards de-escalation, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Both nations must engage in meaningful dialogue to prevent further conflict.'

In conclusion, Mr. Sidek's experience reflects the heightened state of alert and uncertainty facing civilians in conflict zones. As families like his seek safety amidst escalating military actions, the international community continues to advocate for peaceful resolutions to these long-standing tensions.