Iran Attacks Gulf States After New US Strikes; Focused on Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and UAE | Today’s news
Iran launched a wave of missile and drone strikes targeting several Gulf countries following fresh US strikes, with reports suggesting Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were under attack.
The strikes marked a sharp escalation in regional tensions, hours after the United States took military action against Iranian targets.
The latest Iranian offensive reportedly targeted military installations and strategic infrastructure across several Gulf states that host US forces or maintain close security ties with Washington.
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Iran’s missile and drone strikes against the Gulf states were in retaliation for recent US military strikes against Iranian targets, which Iran claims violated its sovereignty.
In response to the attacks from Iran, several Gulf countries activated their air defense systems, restricted airspace and increased security around critical infrastructure.
Iran viewed the U.S. strikes as violations of the cease-fire accords because they were carried out after Iran kept its commitments while the U.S. ended exemptions that are crucial to Iran’s oil exports.
Specific Gulf countries targeted by Iranian military operations included Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
The U.S. responded to the Iranian attacks by closely monitoring the situation and maintaining a high alert for U.S. forces, indicating a readiness to defend U.S. personnel and facilities.
Air defense systems were activated across the region as missiles and drones were intercepted over multiple countries. Authorities in several Gulf states have issued emergency alerts as they assess the damage.
Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates were reportedly affected
According to initial reports, Iran launched attacks targeting:
Officials in the affected countries have not yet released a comprehensive assessment of casualties or damage, although emergency teams were deployed after the attacks.
Iran says the retaliation follows the US strikes
Iran described the operation as retaliation for recent US military strikes and accused Washington of violating its sovereignty.
State media quoted Iranian officials as saying the attacks were aimed at sending a “clear message” that any military action against Iran would trigger a regional response.
“Any aggression against Iran will be met with a decisive response,” Iranian officials said.
Gulf states activate air defenses
Following the attacks, several Gulf countries activated air defense systems, temporarily restricted airspace and increased security around critical infrastructure, including airports, military bases and energy facilities.
Residents in parts of the region reported hearing several explosions as the anti-missile missiles hit incoming projectiles.
The US attacked Iran after the Strait of Hormuz attack
The United States launched a major military offensive against Iran early Sunday after Tehran reportedly attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a fresh escalation of the conflict.
The latest exchange of attacks has raised fears that efforts to secure a lasting truce in the war that began on February 28 could collapse as violence intensifies around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck around 140 targets across Iran in one of the largest operations since the start of the conflict.
According to CENTCOM, the strikes targeted:
Communication infrastructure
Other military facilities
The US said the operation followed an Iranian attack on a Cypriot-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz that left the vessel ablaze and forced its crew to abandon ship.
The military said the attacks were aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended the operation, writing on X:
“Iran made a bad choice. Now it pays.”
Monitoring situation in the US
The United States said it was closely monitoring the evolving security situation and coordinating with regional allies.
A U.S. official said U.S. forces remained on high alert and were ready to defend U.S. personnel and facilities if there were further attacks.
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