The United States has carried out a third round of military strikes against Iran this week. The action marks another major escalation in the expanding Middle East conflict.
US Central Command said the operation followed an alleged Iranian attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel. The incident reportedly occurred in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest US operation targeted around 140 military sites inside Iranian territory. Washington described the attacks as retaliation for threats against commercial shipping.
Iran responded by announcing a large military campaign across the Gulf region. Iranian authorities claimed they targeted US-linked facilities in several countries.
The reported attacks involved Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Emergency sirens and military alerts were activated across the region.
Several governments said their air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones. Loud explosions were also reported in multiple Gulf cities.
Qatar Reports Missile Interceptions
Iranian officials claimed ballistic missiles targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The base is the largest American military facility in the Gulf.
Tehran said a maintenance centre and a command facility were damaged. Qatar did not confirm those claims.
Qatari authorities said their defence systems intercepted missiles before they reached their intended targets. Residents were advised to remain indoors and avoid windows.
Witnesses reported smoke trails and interceptor missiles in the sky. Loud explosions were heard shortly afterward.
Officials did not immediately confirm the type of incoming weapons.
Kuwait and Bahrain Activate Defences
Iranian state media reported drone attacks against US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain. Tehran said the targets included radar systems and ammunition facilities.
The reported targets also included Patriot defence systems and military communication centres.
Bahrain activated emergency sirens and asked residents to seek shelter. Officials advised the public to remain in safe locations.
Kuwait’s military said it intercepted hostile aerial targets inside national airspace. Authorities said explosions resulted from defensive operations.
Residents were urged to follow official safety instructions.
Jordan and UAE Face Security Threats
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it attacked Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan. The group said ballistic missiles struck military hangars and a command centre.
Jordanian officials did not confirm the reported damage.
The United Arab Emirates also activated its air defence systems. UAE officials said missiles and drones were intercepted after entering the country’s airspace.
Authorities said explosions heard by residents were caused by interceptions. They did not report confirmed direct impacts.
Oman Port Targeted, According to Tehran
Iranian officials also claimed an attack on logistics facilities at Oman’s Port of Duqm. Tehran alleged the facilities supported American aircraft carrier operations.
The IRGC described the operation as a major surprise attack. It claimed logistics and refuelling facilities were destroyed.
Oman did not immediately confirm the Iranian account.
Iran says its operations target military facilities supporting attacks against Iranian territory. Tehran maintains that civilians are not the intended targets.
Iranian officials also repeated claims of control over the Strait of Hormuz. They warned that ships entering without coordination could face military action.
Gulf States Reject Iranian Allegations
Tehran has accused Gulf countries of assisting American military operations. It points to US bases and access to regional airspace.
Gulf governments reject those accusations. They say they are not direct parties to the conflict.
Those countries also say American forces operate under long-standing defence agreements.
The expanding exchange of missiles and drones has increased fears of a wider regional war. Military operations are now affecting several countries at once.
Diplomatic efforts have also become more difficult. Deep mistrust continues between the main parties.
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Without renewed negotiations, the conflict could become a prolonged regional crisis. Further escalation may also threaten shipping and economic activity across the Gulf.
