Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes Across Gulf After Deadly U.S. Airstrikes
Iran launched a new wave of missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar after the United States carried out fresh airstrikes against Iranian military positions, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East.
According to Iranian officials, the attacks were aimed at U.S. military infrastructure, including air-defense systems, logistics sites and other strategic facilities used by American forces stationed across the Gulf. The strikes came hours after Washington announced a new series of operations against targets inside Iran.
Authorities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar activated emergency air-defense systems as missiles and drones approached. Kuwaiti officials reported intercepting multiple incoming projectiles, while Bahrain also responded to aerial threats. Early reports indicated limited damage and few casualties, though assessments were continuing.
The Pentagon said the latest U.S. strikes were conducted in response to Iranian actions threatening maritime security near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes. American officials warned that further attacks on U.S. personnel or regional partners would trigger additional military action.
The renewed exchange has raised fears of a wider regional conflict involving Gulf states that host major American military bases. International leaders are urging both Washington and Tehran to return to diplomacy as the security situation rapidly deteriorates.