Iran has launched missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. military bases across the Middle East in retaliation for a large-scale U.S. airstrike. The conflict between the two nations has intensified as the frontlines expand into Jordan and the Gulf region.
On July 12, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had struck U.S. bases in Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain as part of its retaliation. The IRGC claimed it targeted operational command centers and drone storage facilities in Jordan, radar bases in Kuwait, a naval support site in Oman, and aircraft maintenance facilities in Qatar. The extent of the damage has not been confirmed.
In the Qatari capital of Doha, multiple explosions were reported. Local authorities stated that three people, including one child, were injured by debris from intercepted missiles. There were no reported fatalities.
In Jordan, three missiles landed, damaging some buildings but causing no casualties. A drone also crashed in northeastern Oman, prompting the government to summon the Iranian ambassador to lodge a protest.
In Bahrain, alarm sirens sounded, and residents were ordered to evacuate. The U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet is based there. Kuwait strongly condemned the strikes, asserting they violated international law.
This retaliation followed U.S. airstrikes on approximately 140 targets in Iran. The U.S. Central Command stated that the strikes aimed at missile and drone launch sites, naval assets, munitions depots, communication networks, and surveillance equipment.
The U.S. emphasized that its actions were a response to an attack on a commercial vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran countered that the ship had violated established navigation rules.
In an interview with CNN, President Donald Trump stated, "We hit Iran very hard," and criticized that while the two countries were close to a negotiation, the attack on the commercial vessel derailed the agreement.
Iran subsequently declared that it would close the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. In contrast, President Trump asserted that the strait remains open, and the U.S. Central Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring safe passage for vessels.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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