Gulf on edge as Iran's retaliation puts Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain on alert

Missile and drone threats spread across the Gulf after fresh US strikes on Iran, prompting Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE to activate emergency security measures. Iran claimed attacks on multiple US bases in the Gulf and warned that "the era of one-sided deals is over" as tensions escalated.

In Short

• Kuwait said its forces intercepted hostile aerial targets inside national airspace
• Bahrain sounded nationwide sirens as tensions rose around key US facilities
• Qatar residents heard blasts after Iranian claims targeting Al Udeid base

The Gulf region faced one of its most volatile security situations in recent years after the United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes on Iranian targets, triggering retaliatory missile and drone threats that put several Gulf countries on high alert. Air defence systems were activated across the region, airspace security tightened, and multiple governments issued emergency warnings as Iran widened the scope of its response beyond direct attacks on US assets.

The rapid escalation underscored growing fears that the conflict between the US and Iran could spill across the Gulf, threatening regional security, energy infrastructure and one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

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 in recent years.

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.

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.

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.

STRAIT OF HORMUZ BECOMES FLASHPOINT

The maritime situation deteriorated sharply after the IRGC claimed it attacked and stopped a second vessel it described as "offending" in the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the crew of the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy abandoned the vessel after an attack left it on fire with significant engine room damage. According to US Central Command, one civilian crew member remained missing.

Iran later announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed until further notice, claiming its naval forces fired warning shots at a vessel attempting to transit through what it described as an unapproved route.

The closure of the strategic waterway has raised concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies and international shipping.

NOW THEY PAY, HEGSETH WARNS IRAN

As military operations intensified, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth posted on X: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."

Meanwhile, the IRGC warned that continued US-Israeli "aggressions" would trigger "even more devastating" responses, signalling the possibility of further military escalation across the Gulf.

IRAN WARNS US AGAINST 'ONE-SIDED DEALS'

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, issued a sharp warning to the United States amid the escalating conflict, declaring that "the era of one-sided deals is over."

In a strongly worded message, Qalibaf said, "We told you: Keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking," signalling Tehran's increasingly confrontational stance following the latest US strikes. His remarks added to a series of warnings from senior Iranian officials, who have vowed further retaliation if military operations against Iran continue.

REGION ON HIGH ALERT

With missile interceptions reported, emergency alerts activated, and competing military claims emerging from multiple countries, Gulf nations remain on heightened alert.

While several Iranian claims regarding successful strikes have not been independently verified, the activation of air defence systems, regional security warnings and continued US military operations highlight the widening geographic scope of the conflict, raising concerns that any further escalation could draw more Gulf states directly into the confrontation.

- Ends