The Middle East is on the boil again after the United States launched a fresh wave of strikes on 140 Iranian targets on Sunday, following Tehran's announcement that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice". Hours later, Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, sharply escalating regional tensions.
The strikes prompted Gulf nations to activate air defence systems, tighten airspace security and issue emergency warnings, amid fears that the escalating US-Iran conflict could spread across the Gulf again and threaten one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
UAE ACTIVATES AIR DEFENCES
The United Arab Emirates announced that its air defence systems had intercepted a missile threat as Gulf states strengthened defensive measures.
The UAE did not immediately disclose details about the intercepted missiles or identify their origin, but the announcement reflected growing concerns that the conflict could spread across the wider Gulf region.
KUWAIT INTERCEPTS HOSTILE AERIAL TARGETS
Kuwait's armed forces said they were actively intercepting hostile aerial targets within Kuwaiti airspace, although authorities did not immediately disclose how many objects had entered the country's skies or identify their origin.
Separately, Iran claimed it launched waves of drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Kuwait, saying explosive drones struck a Patriot air defence system, an ammunition depot and a radar installation. The claims have not been independently verified.
The developments marked one of the most serious security incidents involving Kuwaiti airspace recently.
BAHRAIN SOUNDS ALARMS AMID REGIONAL ALERT
Bahrain activated emergency warning sirens after the Interior Ministry issued a nationwide alert as regional tensions intensified.
Iran later claimed it carried out a second wave of drone attacks targeting US military communications systems and radar facilities in Bahrain. No immediate confirmation was issued by Bahraini or US authorities.
The kingdom hosts the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, making it a key strategic location in the Gulf.
QATAR REPORTS BOOMS AS IRAN CLAIMS STRIKE ON AL UDEID
Residents in Qatar reported loud explosions while authorities sent emergency security alerts to mobile phones urging people to remain vigilant.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it launched missile strikes against Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. The IRGC alleged that it destroyed a fighter aircraft maintenance centre and a command-and-control facility at the base.
Neither US nor Qatari authorities immediately confirmed the Iranian claims.
JORDAN ALSO DRAWN INTO IRAN'S CLAIMS
Iran claimed it launched several ballistic missiles at US military facilities at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan.
According to Iranian state media, the strikes destroyed a command-and-control centre and hangars housing MQ-9 drones. The claims remain unverified, with no immediate confirmation from Jordanian or US officials.
US EXPANDS MILITARY CAMPAIGN
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces completed a third round of strikes against Iran during the week, targeting about 140 military sites.
According to CENTCOM, the coordinated operation struck missile and drone launch sites, naval assets, ammunition depots, communications networks and coastal surveillance facilities using precision-guided munitions launched from fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels.
The US said the operation was intended to significantly degrade Iran's military capabilities.
IRAN RESPONDS ACROSS MULTIPLE FRONTS
Iran activated air defence systems in Bandar-e Mahshahr in Khuzestan province as reports emerged of strikes across several parts of the country.
Authorities and state media reported attacks on Hendijan, Mahshahr and Abadan, while multiple explosions were heard in Bushehr province, including Bushehr city, Bandar-e Deyr, Asaluyeh and Kangan.
More than 10 explosions were also reported in the southern port city of Jask in Hormozgan province, with additional blasts reported near the Bushehr border. Iranian officials said there were no immediate reports of casualties in Bushehr province.