Senator Murphy Says Pentagon Denied Him Access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

Sen. Chris Murphy said Tuesday that the Defense Department would not let him visit Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar while he was traveling in the Middle East, a decision he described as part of an effort to limit public understanding of the war with Iran, according to Reuters.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment, Reuters reported.

Dispute over oversight access

Al Udeid is the largest American base in the region. Reuters reported it has come under repeated Iranian attacks since the United States and Israel began the war in February.

Speaking with reporters in Riyadh, Murphy said the department also declined to arrange a briefing for him on the conflict during the trip. He argued that congressional oversight was being obstructed and urged his Republican colleagues to press for greater transparency.

Murphy drew a contrast with the State Department, saying Secretary of State Marco Rubio had helped facilitate diplomatic meetings for the visit. During the trip, Murphy met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Gulf officials, according to Reuters.

Reporting based on coverage by Reuters.