Since mid-June, Iran and Israel exchanged missile strikes, escalating tensions. The U.S. launched attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting Iran to retaliate by targeting the U.S. Al Udeid base in Qatar. Despite warnings of a revenge cycle, the conflict quickly de-escalated with a ceasefire declared hours later. Strategic U.S. troop withdrawals and Qatar’s diplomatic balancing between the U.S. and Iran helped prevent further escalation, protecting vital regional infrastructure and maintaining stability in the Gulf.