- Iranian state media claimed attacks had been launched against locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and Oman. These claims have not been independently verified.
- Iranian state media also reported explosions in several southern coastal cities, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Bandar-e Deyr, Jask and Asaluyeh, following the latest US strikes.
The GCC states were placed on heightened alert after tensions between Iran and the United States escalated sharply, prompting security responses across the region and raising fresh concerns over stability in the Gulf.
The latest developments followed a third round of US military strikes on Iranian targets this week. Washington said the strikes were carried out in response to alleged threats against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.
Iran, in turn, announced what it described as retaliatory military operations targeting US military facilities across the Gulf. Iranian state media claimed attacks had been launched against locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar and Oman. These claims have not been independently verified.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defence later confirmed that the country’s air defence systems had intercepted what it described as “hostile aerial targets” within Kuwaiti airspace.
Authorities said the sounds of explosions reported by residents were the result of defensive interception operations and urged the public to follow official safety instructions. No casualties or damage were immediately reported.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence also announced that its air defence systems had successfully intercepted missiles targeting Qatari territory. In the United Arab Emirates, authorities reported intercepting incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated emergency warning systems as a precaution.
Residents in several Gulf countries received emergency alerts advising them to remain indoors and avoid open areas until the security situation was assessed. Authorities in Qatar later announced that the immediate threat had passed and normal activities had resumed.
Iranian state media also reported explosions in several southern coastal cities, including Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar, Bandar-e Deyr, Jask and Asaluyeh, following the latest US strikes.
Adding to regional tensions, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it had taken measures to regulate maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
The announcement has heightened concerns over global energy supplies and international shipping.
Iranian officials also claimed to have carried out attacks on military facilities associated with US forces in Oman, describing them as part of a broader response to recent American military action. These claims have not been independently confirmed.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed to continue responding to what he described as aggression against Iran, declaring that retaliation reflected “the will of our nation.”
The United States said its military operations were intended to reduce Iran’s capability to threaten international shipping and regional security. US officials maintained that recent strikes targeted military infrastructure linked to missile, drone and naval operations.
The rapidly evolving situation has prompted governments across the Gulf to closely monitor developments while reinforcing security measures. Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have significant implications for regional security, global trade and energy markets.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to continue as the international community calls for restraint and renewed dialogue to prevent a broader regional conflict.
