US pulls out from Al Udeid Air Base days before the attack
Satellite imagery revealed that between June 5 and June 19, the United States removed nearly 40 military aircraft from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — the largest U.S. base in the Middle East. By June 19, just three aircraft remained. No official explanation was given, but the U.S. Embassy in Qatar cited “ongoing regional hostilities” and limited base access “out of an abundance of caution.”
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Analysts called it a precautionary step. Mark Schwartz, former U.S. Army lieutenant general, told RAND Corporation, “Al Udeid would be extremely vulnerable due to its close proximity to Iran. You want to reduce risk to U.S. forces, both personnel and equipment.”
Iran fires missiles at Al Udeid — but no one gets hurt
On the evening of June 24, just days after the drawdown, Iran fired seven missiles at Al Udeid. According to Qatari Deputy Chief of Staff Shayeq Al-Hajri, “Qatari defense systems intercepted six of the seven missiles. One projectile landed within the airbase perimeter. Fortunately, there were no casualties.”
Jabr Al-Nuaimi from Qatar’s Ministry of Interior added, “The impact of the lone missile resulted in minor fires due to shrapnel. These were swiftly contained by emergency teams. There were no injuries reported.”
This strike came shortly after the US launched “Operation Midnight Hammer” against Iranian nuclear sites — and yet, Iran’s retaliation caused no damage to life or key infrastructure.
Trump hints at pre-informed strike, praises ceasefire
Soon after the missile strike, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that Iran and Israel had agreed to a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE.” But one specific detail stood out — Trump implied foreknowledge.
“CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed… that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!)…” he wrote.Later, Trump added, “On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will… This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!”
Qatar mediates between US, Iran behind the scenes
What made the ceasefire possible? According to Reuters, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani secured Iran’s consent during a phone call. This was after Trump requested Qatar’s Emir to mediate, as Israel had already accepted the ceasefire deal.
Within hours, Iran agreed. The first 12-hour ceasefire would start with Iran. Then, Israel would follow. The war was declared over within 24 hours.
Refuelling aircraft quietly rerouted to Europe
Meanwhile, between June 15 and June 18, at least 27 U.S. refuelling aircraft left for Europe. Most remained there. The Pentagon refused to disclose final destinations, citing operational secrecy.
In just 12 days:
- The U.S. emptied Al Udeid of aircraft
- Iran launched a missile strike that caused no damage
- Trump thanked both sides and announced a coordinated ceasefire
- Qatar mediated a deal within hours
- All sides claimed victory and walked away
Official statements did not accuse each other of foul play. But the sequence has led observers to ask: was the war real or pre-negotiated?
While leaders congratulated each other, the real message seemed to be this, no one wanted a full-scale war. And perhaps, all sides made sure they wouldn’t get one.
