Iran Launches Coordinated Attacks on Gulf States, Closes Strait of Hormuz Following US Strikes

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military installations in five Gulf nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and Oman, and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed in response to the United States’ latest wave of airstrikes.

The US carried out its third round of strikes this week against Iranian military targets, including radar sites, missile installations, and naval facilities across southern Iran, citing retaliation for Tehran’s recent aggression against commercial shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping corridor handling approximately 20% of worldwide oil exports, has been at the center of escalating tensions between the two sides. Iran accused Washington of violating a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) that outlined protocols for the waterway’s reopening after previous escalations.

Iran’s Strategic Response to US Strikes

The Iranian attacks came as retaliation for US airstrikes that reportedly hit cities along Iran’s southern coast, including areas in the provinces of Lorestan and Khondab. Iranian officials indicated that casualty assessments from the US strikes are ongoing.

Iran’s parliament speaker and key negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasized that unilateral concessions are no longer acceptable, posting on social media about the closure of the strait and the MoU’s Article 5 provisions. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has consistently rejected US demands for unrestricted access to the waterway, insisting that navigation must require prior approval.

Escalation Timeline and Key Events

The conflict intensified after Iran’s IRGC attacked three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz last Monday, including a Qatari LNG tanker. The following day, US forces struck Iranian military targets, prompting Iran to launch counterattacks on US bases across the Gulf.

The latest escalation began when the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after targeting a container ship using an unauthorized route. A second vessel was reportedly disabled in the waters on Sunday.

US Strikes Target Iranian Military Infrastructure

The US Third Circuit strike campaign aimed to “degrade Iranian forces’ ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait,” according to CENTCOM. Over 140 targets were hit, including missile sites, ammunition storage, communication networks, and coastal surveillance systems.

Iranian state media reported strikes on the city of Veysian in Lorestan province and a military base in Khondab. Officials in Bushehr province confirmed attacks on five cities: Asaluyeh, Dir, Bushehr, Dashti, and Tangestan.

<

Oman

The IRGC claimed a “surprise attack” on US logistics support and refueling facilities at Duqm port, which it stated were “destroyed” in the operation.

Qatar

The IRGC targeted Qatar’s Al Udeid airbase with ballistic missiles, claiming to have destroyed a fighter jet maintenance facility and command center. Qatar’s military reported intercepting the attacks, with three civilians injured by shrapnel during the interception.

Kuwait

Iran’s military announced the use of explosive drones to strike a US Patriot air defense system, an ammunition depot, and a radar site in Kuwait.

Bahrain

Tehran reportedly targeted a US communications system and radar installation in Bahrain through coordinated drone operations.

Jordan

The IRGC struck Prince Hassan airbase with multiple ballistic missiles, claiming to have destroyed a command center and hangars housing US MQ-9 drones.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed Amid Escalating Tensions

Iran’s IRGC has stated the waterway will remain closed until “the end of US interference in this region,” rejecting international calls for unrestricted navigation. The narrow strait, separating Iran from the Persian Gulf, serves as a critical chokepoint for global energy trade.

<

Gulf Nations Respond with Heightened Security Measures

Sirens sounded across several Gulf states on Sunday as governments issued advisories for residents to remain indoors. Oman condemned Iran’s attacks and activated contingency plans to safeguard national security. Qatar elevated its security alert level to “high” and directed citizens to remain in secure locations. Kuwaiti defenses intercepted hostile drone activity, while Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported sirens were sounded but urged calm.

Source link