The United States and its regional allies inaugurated a new air defense operations cell in Qatar to “strengthen integrated air and missile defense,” as reported by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday, with tensions in Iran on the rise.

The cell was established at Al Udeid Air Base near Doha – the same base that Iran targeted last June following U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The base accommodates 10,000 U.S. troops and is the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East. Situated southwest of Doha, it acts as a logistical hub for the U.S. mission to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

“This represents a substantial step forward in bolstering [air and missile defense capabilities],” Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander, stated in a Tuesday release. “This cell will enhance how regional forces coordinate and distribute air and missile defense responsibilities across the Middle East.”

CENTCOM disclosed that the newly launched Middle Eastern Air Defense – Combined Defense Operations Cell is located within the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) and is composed of personnel from the U.S. and its regional partners.

CENTCOM noted, “The Qatar-based CAOC, founded over 20 years ago, currently has representatives from 17 nations who coordinate the deployment of military air assets across the [region].”

CENTCOM further stated, “U.S. Air Force Central personnel will collaborate with regional counterparts… in organizing multinational exercises, conducting drills, and addressing contingencies. The cell will also be tasked with sharing information and threat alerts.”

A U.S. defense official informed [Digital] last year that Iran had employed short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles to target Al Udeid, with no reported casualties.

President [name] stated on Truth Social at the time, “Iran has formally responded to our obliteration of their nuclear facilities with a very feeble response, as we anticipated, and we have countered it very effectively. Fourteen missiles were launched — thirteen were intercepted, and one was ‘set free’ because it was heading in a non-threatening direction.”

An activist group reported that over 2,000 people have been killed in the unrest in Iran. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency stated on Tuesday that 1,847 of the deceased were protesters and 135 were members of Iran’s security forces, as cited by The Associated Press. Other reports indicate a higher death toll.

’ Morgan Phillips, Jennifer Griffin and Liz Friden contributed to this report.