Iran Launches Coordinated Missile and Drone Strikes Across Gulf States Following US Military Operations

Iran launched simultaneous waves of missiles and drones against Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman early on Sunday, following US military operations that targeted roughly 140 Iranian military facilities. Qatar's defense systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles above Doha in two distinct attack waves, though three people including a child sustained injuries from falling shrapnel. The escalation marks the third consecutive night of military strikes in the region after an Iranian attack damaged a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Coordinated Defense Operations Across the Gulf

Air defense systems across the region activated simultaneously as Iranian projectiles approached populated areas. Qatar's Ministry of Interior issued emergency alerts at 05:36 local time, instructing residents to shelter indoors and remain away from windows. The UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain also activated their air defense networks, with Kuwait reporting military engagement of hostile aerial targets early Sunday. Bahrain's warning sirens blared three times as residents were warned of incoming threats. In Jordan, three Iranian missiles fell without causing casualties, while Oman's Musandam enclave was targeted with drone strikes, according to regional reports.

Iranian Claims and US Military Response

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it targeted the Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar, claiming destruction of a command-and-control facility and aircraft maintenance hangar. However, Qatar's government stated that all incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted. The Guard also claimed attacks on the Prince Hassan airbase in Jordan and the Duqm port facility in Oman used by US naval forces. The initial US strikes on Sunday represented a major escalation, with US Central Command confirming strikes on approximately 140 military targets across Iran in response to Iranian attacks on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday night.

Casualties and Maritime Incident

The M/V GFS Galaxy, a 300-meter container ship, sustained significant damage during the Saturday attack, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel. India's Ministry of External Affairs reported 11 Indian nationals were aboard—10 were rescued by local authorities while one remained missing. Qatar confirmed three casualties from shrapnel following the Sunday attacks, marking the only reported civilian injuries across the multiple targeted locations. Iran stated the cargo ship had violated an approved shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently announced the waterway had been closed again, reversing a partial reopening that had followed a US-Iran memorandum of understanding in mid-June.