60 Minutes & Iran Missile Attack: A Near-War Account

Florence Parisian 22 Jun 2025

The events of January 2020 marked a perilous moment in U.S.-Iran relations, bringing both nations to the brink of a full-scale conflict. At the heart of this tension was the Iranian ballistic missile attack on Al Asad Airbase in Iraq, a direct retaliation for the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. This critical period, and the harrowing experiences of the American troops involved, were extensively covered by CBS News's flagship investigative program, 60 Minutes, offering unparalleled insights into the largest ballistic missile attack ever launched against Americans.

The reporting by 60 Minutes, particularly through the lens of National Security Correspondent David Martin, provided the public with a vivid, detailed account of the attack and its aftermath. From unreleased drone footage capturing the impact to interviews with troops who endured the barrage, the program meticulously pieced together the narrative of a six-day period that saw the U.S. and Iran teeter on the edge of war. Understanding this pivotal event requires delving into the context, the attack itself, its immediate consequences, and the broader implications for regional and global stability.

The Soleimani Killing and the Prelude to Retaliation
Al Asad Airbase Under Fire: The Largest Ballistic Missile Attack
60 Minutes Unveils Unreleased Drone Footage
Voices from the Ground: Troops' Accounts and Hidden Injuries
- The Psychological and Physical Toll
- Understanding Brain Trauma from Ballistic Missiles
On the Brink of War: Diplomacy and De-escalation
Iran's Broader Missile Strategy and Regional Impact
- Strikes in Israel: Beersheba and Beyond
- The Shadow War in the U.S.
The Enduring Legacy of the 60 Minutes Iran Missile Attack Coverage
Lessons Learned and Future Implications

The Soleimani Killing and the Prelude to Retaliation

The backdrop to the dramatic events of January 2020 was the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, was a highly influential figure in Iran's military and intelligence apparatus, responsible for orchestrating its regional proxy wars and covert operations. His assassination on January 3, 2020, was a significant escalation, viewed by Iran as an act of war and a profound blow to its national pride. In the immediate aftermath, Iran vowed "harsh revenge." The international community braced for retaliation, and American forces across the Middle East were put on high alert. For the 2,000 American troops stationed at Al Asad Airbase in Iraq, the threat was particularly palpable. They knew they were a likely target for Iran's inevitable response. This period of tense anticipation, leading up to what would become the largest ballistic missile attack ever launched against Americans, was a test of nerves and readiness for U.S. forces in the region. The decision by the U.S. to launch the strike against Soleimani fundamentally altered the dynamics, setting the stage for the direct confrontation that 60 Minutes would later meticulously document.

Al Asad Airbase Under Fire: The Largest Ballistic Missile Attack

On January 8, 2020, Iran made good on its promise of retaliation. In what was described as "the largest ballistic missile attack ever against Americans," Iran launched a barrage of missiles targeting Al Asad Airbase in Iraq. This was a direct response to the killing of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. The attack involved multiple missiles raining down on the base, causing significant damage and sending shockwaves through the U.S. military command. The ferocity and precision of the attack were unprecedented, marking a direct military confrontation between the two nations that had long engaged in proxy conflicts. While no American lives were lost, a testament to early warning systems and the courage of the troops, the psychological and physical impact on those present was profound. David Martin, CBS News National Security Correspondent, later reported on this ballistic missile attack Iran had launched against U.S. troops, highlighting the sheer scale and intensity of the Iranian response. The event was a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the region and the potential for rapid escalation.

60 Minutes Unveils Unreleased Drone Footage

One of the most compelling aspects of the 60 Minutes coverage of the Al Asad attack was their access to previously unreleased drone footage. This raw, unvarnished footage offered a chilling, bird's-eye view of the Iranian missile attack on U.S. troops on January 8, 2020. The visuals, shot by a drone, graphically depicted the missiles "hammering Al Asad Air Base," providing irrefutable evidence of the attack's intensity and the extensive damage it inflicted. The drone footage was a crucial piece of the puzzle, allowing viewers to grasp the magnitude of the Iranian assault in a way that mere words could not convey. It showed the devastating impact craters, the destroyed infrastructure, and the sheer force unleashed by the ballistic missiles. This visual evidence, obtained and presented by 60 Minutes, underscored the severity of the incident and the narrow escape for the American personnel stationed there. It transformed an abstract news report into a visceral experience, bringing the reality of the 60 Minutes Iran missile attack directly into homes across the nation.

Voices from the Ground: Troops' Accounts and Hidden Injuries

The human element of the Al Asad attack was central to the 60 Minutes reporting. David Martin spoke with troops who were there as an Iranian ballistic missile attack rained down on Al Asad Airbase in Iraq. Their firsthand accounts provided a harrowing glimpse into the experience of enduring such a massive assault. These interviews revealed not only the immediate fear and chaos but also the hidden injuries that emerged in the aftermath.

The Psychological and Physical Toll

While initial reports stated no U.S. casualties, it soon became clear that many troops suffered from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to the concussive force of the explosions. The invisible wounds of war, particularly TBIs, often manifest days or weeks after the initial incident, making them difficult to diagnose immediately. The troops described the disorientation, headaches, memory issues, and other symptoms that plagued them long after the missiles stopped falling. Their bravery in facing the attack was matched only by their resilience in dealing with its lingering effects. The 60 Minutes Iran missile attack coverage shed light on these often-overlooked consequences of modern warfare.

Understanding Brain Trauma from Ballistic Missiles

The unprecedented nature of the Al Asad attack also brought to light a significant knowledge gap regarding the specific effects of ballistic missile attacks on the human brain. Dr. Hales, a medical expert, told 60 Minutes that "there is not a lot known about brain trauma caused by a ballistic missile attack of this magnitude, in part due to its unprecedented nature." This statement underscored the unique challenges posed by such high-intensity, widespread concussive events. The lack of prior data meant that medical professionals were navigating uncharted territory in treating the affected service members, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term neurological impacts of such attacks.

On the Brink of War: Diplomacy and De-escalation

The January 2020 events, particularly the Iranian missile attack on Al Asad, pushed the U.S. and Iran to the very edge of an all-out war. The world held its breath as both nations weighed their next moves. President Donald Trump, in the immediate aftermath, indicated a period for diplomacy. He stated that he would "allow two weeks for diplomacy to proceed before deciding whether to launch a strike in Iran." This pause was crucial, providing a window for de-escalation and preventing a wider conflict that could have destabilized the entire Middle East. David Martin's report for 60 Minutes on the attack that nearly caused war between the U.S. and Iran, airing on a Sunday, captured the intense diplomatic efforts unfolding behind the scenes. It highlighted the delicate balance between showing strength and avoiding an irreversible escalation. The decision to prioritize diplomacy, even after such a direct and significant attack, demonstrated a strategic restraint aimed at preventing a catastrophic regional war. The period following the 60 Minutes Iran missile attack coverage became a critical test of international statesmanship.

Iran's Broader Missile Strategy and Regional Impact

While the Al Asad attack garnered global attention, it was not an isolated incident in Iran's broader strategy of projecting power and influence through its missile capabilities. Iran's missile program is a cornerstone of its defense and offense, designed to deter adversaries and support its regional proxies. The regime's backing of groups like Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon is widely known, but Iran also engages in a more clandestine "shadow war" that extends beyond its immediate neighbors.

Strikes in Israel: Beersheba and Beyond

The "Data Kalimat" provided indicates other instances of Iranian missile activity, demonstrating the reach and impact of its arsenal. For example, reports cited that "Iran missile strikes impacted Beersheba in southern Israel." Furthermore, "missile attack by Iran has caused heavy damage in southern Israel’s Beersheba on Friday, according to media reports." This suggests a broader pattern of missile use, potentially by Iran or its proxies, against Israeli targets. Media reports also indicated "several missile hits have been reported from Israel on Thursday (June 19) as Iran mounted a major missile attack on the Jewish nation," with "reports of damage and injuries emerging from Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, Holon and Beersheba," and a "hospital spokesperson also confirmed." These incidents underscore the regional threat posed by Iran's missile capabilities and its willingness to use them, directly or indirectly, against its adversaries.

The Shadow War in the U.S.

Intriguingly, the provided data also hints at a less conventional aspect of Iran's strategy: "While Iran’s backing of Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon is widely known, the regime is quietly carrying out a shadow war in the U.S." This statement, though brief, suggests a deeper, perhaps cyber or intelligence-related, conflict unfolding within the United States. While the specifics are not detailed, it points to the multi-faceted nature of Iran's engagement with its adversaries, extending beyond conventional military strikes to include covert operations that could impact national security. The 60 Minutes Iran missile attack coverage primarily focused on the overt military action, but the broader context of Iran's strategic maneuvers is essential for a complete understanding.

The Enduring Legacy of the 60 Minutes Iran Missile Attack Coverage

The 60 Minutes segment on the Al Asad missile attack stands as a landmark piece of investigative journalism. By obtaining and presenting unreleased drone footage, and by giving voice to the troops who experienced the attack firsthand, David Martin and the 60 Minutes team provided an invaluable public service. Their reporting transcended typical news cycles, offering a deep dive into a critical geopolitical event that brought two nations to the brink of war. The coverage not only informed the public about the specific details of the attack but also raised awareness about the less visible consequences, such as traumatic brain injuries. It highlighted the bravery of the service members and the complexities of modern warfare. Furthermore, by framing the attack within the broader context of U.S.-Iran relations and the subsequent diplomatic efforts, 60 Minutes offered a comprehensive narrative that underscored the fragility of peace and the importance of strategic de-escalation. The program's commitment to detailed, on-the-ground reporting solidified its reputation as a trusted source for understanding complex national security issues.

Lessons Learned and Future Implications

The 60 Minutes Iran missile attack reporting offered several critical insights. Firstly, it demonstrated the formidable capability of Iran's ballistic missile program and its willingness to use it directly against U.S. forces. This forced a re-evaluation of defense strategies and troop protection measures in the region. Secondly, the incident highlighted the silent epidemic of traumatic brain injuries among service members exposed to concussive blasts, prompting increased focus on diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for these invisible wounds. Finally, the events of January 2020 underscored the precarious balance of power in the Middle East and the constant potential for escalation. The period of diplomacy that followed the Al Asad attack served as a crucial reminder that even in moments of extreme tension, channels for communication and de-escalation are vital to prevent wider conflicts. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the lessons from the 60 Minutes Iran missile attack coverage remain highly relevant, emphasizing the need for vigilance, preparedness, and strategic restraint in navigating the complex landscape of international relations.

The 60 Minutes report on the Iranian missile attack on Al Asad Airbase provided an essential, in-depth look at a moment when the world held its breath. It reminded us of the profound human cost of conflict and the delicate dance of diplomacy required to avert wider war. What are your thoughts on the events of January 2020, and how do you think such incidents shape future international relations? Share your perspectives in the comments below, and consider exploring other articles on our site for more insights into global security and defense.

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