The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has taken a dramatic turn as Iran retaliates against recent US airstrikes with a series of coordinated attacks on Gulf states and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation follows a week of intense exchanges, with both sides accusing each other of violating a fragile memorandum of understanding signed last month.
The latest round of hostilities began on Sunday, with Iran claiming responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases and facilities in BahrainKuwaitJordanQatar and Oman. These attacks were described as a response to renewed US bombings on Iranian cities along the southern coast. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) had conducted its third round of strikes in a week, targeting Iranian radar, missile, and drone sites.
The Escalation: Why Iran Attacked Gulf States and Closed Hormuz
The tensions reached a boiling point after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz a critical waterway that handles 20% of the world’s energy flow. This move came after the US accused Iran of violating the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two nations last month. The closure of the strait was announced following an incident where Iran fired a warning shot at a vessel traveling on an unapproved route, resulting in one crew member missing.
Iran’s powerful parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized the shift in Iran’s approach, stating, “The era of one-sided deals is over.” He further warned, “We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking,” accompanied by an image of Article 5 of the MoU, which pertains to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Path to Conflict
The fragile MoU between the US and Iran had several gaps, leaving the door open for escalation. Tensions flared again last Monday when Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck three commercial vessels, including a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker off the coast of Oman. The US responded with airstrikes on Iranian military targets, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks on US bases across the Gulf.
On Saturday night, the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice after attacking a container ship using what it called an unapproved route. The next day, a second vessel in the strait was hit, further escalating the situation.
The Latest US Strikes: Targets and Impact
CENTCOM reported that its third round of strikes on Iran last week targeted about 140 military sites, including missile and drone locations, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance points. Over the course of three nights, more than 300 targets were struck to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait.
Iran’s state broadcaster, IRIB reported that US air attacks hit the outskirts of the city of Veysian in the western Lorestan province, as well as a military base in Iran’s Khondab. Officials from Bushehr, on Iran’s southern coast, told local media that US forces attacked five cities in the province, including Asaluyeh, Dir, Bushehr, Dashti, and Tangestan. Tehran has stated that the loss of lives and the extent of damage are under review.
Iran’s Retaliation: Targets Across the Gulf
Since the start of the conflict in late February, Tehran has accused Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of supporting US military operations by hosting bases and allowing the use of their airspace. Iran’s retaliatory attacks targeted several key locations:
Oman
The IRGC claimed a “heavy and surprise” attack on logistics support centers and refueling platforms used by US aircraft carriers at the port of Duqm in Oman. The IRGC’s public relations office reported that the sites were “destroyed” in the attack.
Qatar
Iran targeted Qatar’s Al Udeid airbase with ballistic missiles, claiming to have destroyed a fighter plane maintenance center and a command-and-control center. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence reported intercepting incoming Iranian fire, with three people, including a child, wounded by falling shrapnel.
Kuwait
Iran’s army used explosive drones to target a Patriot air defense system, an ammunition depot, and a radar site belonging to the US military in Kuwait.
Bahrain
In another wave of drone attacks, Tehran targeted a US communications system and radar site in Bahrain.
Jordan
The IRGC said it targeted US military facilities at Prince Hassan airbase in Jordan with several ballistic missiles, claiming to have destroyed a command-and-control center and hangars housing MQ-9 drones.
The Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of contention between the US and Iran. Iran has insisted that only routes approved by Iran should be used during transit through the strait, a stance rejected by the US and GCC countries. The narrow waterway has been a focal point of tensions since the preliminary deal was signed.
On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi landed in Oman to discuss the shipping and management of the Strait of Hormuz with Omani leaders. The strait will remain closed until “the end of US interference in this region,” according to the IRGC.
Gulf Countries’ Reactions
In response to the attacks, several Gulf countries activated emergency protocols. Oman condemned Iran’s actions and stated it was taking “all necessary measures” to ensure the safety of its residents. Qatar raised its security threat level to high, urging citizens to stay indoors. Kuwait’s army reported responding to “hostile aerial targets” in its airspace, while Bahrain’s Interior Ministry activated air raid sirens, urging residents to remain calm.
As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely to see how this escalation will impact global trade and regional stability.
