Report on Iran’s Missile Strike on Al Udeid Air Base and Regional Implications

Overview of the Missile Strike

On June 23, 2025, Iran launched nearly 20 missiles, including medium-range ballistic weapons, targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Despite the scale of the attack, the damage was negligible. U.S. and Qatari sources confirmed that interception systems neutralized the majority of the missiles. The only successful impact was on a non-military structure outside the base, causing no casualties or significant damage.

This strike was a calculated and symbolic act rather than a serious attempt to degrade U.S. military capabilities in the Gulf. It served as a signal of resolve by Iran without escalating the conflict, mirroring the restrained nature of the previous U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.

Impact on Qatar’s LNG Infrastructure and Energy Security

• Iran’s missiles avoided Qatar’s critical LNG infrastructure at Ras Laffan.
• There was no operational impact on LNG exports, which have continued uninterrupted.
• Key expansion projects, including North Field East and North Field South, remain on schedule and unaffected.

This careful targeting aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, by ensuring the stability and continuity of energy supplies critical to regional and global markets.

Strategic Intent and Regional Stability

The missile strike was a tightly managed signal, likely communicated to Qatar beforehand, reflecting Iran’s intent to retaliate for U.S. actions without provoking strategic miscalculations. This approach supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by avoiding escalation and promoting regional stability.

Hawkish Narratives and Regional Security Concerns

1. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) has intensified efforts to frame the Iran-Israel-U.S. tensions as a broader regional crisis.
2. FDD’s publications allege Iranian alignment with Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated groups in Qatar and warn of potential threats to Saudi Aramco infrastructure.
3. These narratives aim to portray Qatar as a permissive environment for anti-Western activities, reinforcing long-standing regional tensions.
4. Despite these warnings, evidence suggests both Tehran and Washington are working to contain the conflict, maintaining a fragile peace.

This situation highlights the challenges in achieving SDG 16, emphasizing the need for dialogue and conflict prevention mechanisms in the Gulf region.

Implications for Energy Infrastructure and Sustainable Development

• Speculative claims about imminent attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure remain unsubstantiated but contribute to regional insecurity.
• Maintaining the security of energy assets is vital for SDG 7 and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, ensuring resilient infrastructure and reliable energy supply.
• Restraint shown in the missile strike underscores the importance of measured responses to avoid disruptions in critical energy infrastructure.

Conclusion

The June 23 missile strike by Iran on Al Udeid Air Base was a deliberate, symbolic act designed to signal resolve without escalating conflict or damaging vital energy infrastructure. This approach aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 and SDG 16, by protecting energy security and promoting regional peace. However, hawkish narratives continue to fuel tensions, underscoring the ongoing need for diplomatic engagement and conflict prevention to support sustainable development in the Gulf region.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses military tensions, missile strikes, and regional security concerns involving Iran, Qatar, the U.S., and other Gulf countries. These issues relate directly to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies and reducing conflict.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article highlights the importance of Qatar’s LNG infrastructure and energy exports, emphasizing the need for stable and secure energy supplies.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Protection and expansion of critical infrastructure such as LNG facilities and energy projects are discussed, which ties into building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article touches on economic stability through uninterrupted LNG exports and ongoing expansion projects, which support sustained economic growth.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. For SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Indicator 16.1.4: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
   • Indicator 16.4.1: Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows (in current United States dollars).
   • Implied indicator: Number and scale of missile strikes or military conflicts in the region, and their impact on civilian and military casualties.
2. For SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity.
   • Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology.
   • Implied indicator: Continuity and volume of LNG exports and status of energy infrastructure projects (e.g., North Field East and South expansion projects).
3. For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
   • Indicator 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport.
   • Implied indicator: Operational status and resilience of critical infrastructure such as LNG facilities amid regional conflicts.
4. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Indicator 8.1.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita.
   • Implied indicator: Stability of economic activities related to energy exports and infrastructure projects despite geopolitical tensions.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: oilprice.com