In an ominous sign of war exploding out of control in the Middle East, Qatar has said it reserves the right to respond directly and in accordance with international law.

The statement said there had been no casualties at the US al Udeid military base in Doha, following Iran’s attack on the facility. Qatar said its air defences intercepted a missile attack.

“We are assured that Qatari air defences thwarted the attack and successfully intercepted the Iranian missiles,” the Qatari statement said.

The Ministry of Defence added: “Thanks to God, the vigilance of the armed forces, and the precautionary measures taken, the incident did not result in any deaths or injuries.”

The country’s airspace and territory are “safe”, the ministry also said.