Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Bases Across Gulf as Eight Countries Close Airspace
Tehran targets military installations in Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait; Israel comes under renewed missile fire as conflict enters second phase
Strikes Hit Multiple Gulf States
Iran confirmed it was targeting US military installations across the region, with the most dramatic footage showing plumes of smoke rising from a US base in Bahrain. Emergency alerts blared across Qatar moments before explosions were heard, interrupting a live Al Jazeera broadcast. Reports indicate Iranian missiles and drones also targeted assets in Kuwait and other Gulf states hosting American forces.
Israel Under Fire Again
Air raid sirens sounded across Israel as Iranian missiles were launched toward the country. Israelis took shelter for the first time since the June 2025 conflict, with residents reporting the grim familiarity of the alert sounds.
Global Airspace Chaos
At least eight countries including Iran, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE have closed or restricted their airspace. Airlines worldwide have halted or rerouted flights, causing cascading delays across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
World Leaders React
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired an emergency Cobra meeting, with Britain deploying RAF Typhoons to Qatar to protect allied military facilities. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Trump and Netanyahu's decision highlighted a growing rift between Western leaders over the use of overwhelming military force.
Analysis
Why This Matters
This is the first direct military exchange between the United States and Iran on this scale. Previous confrontations were either limited or fought through proxies. Iran targeting US bases across multiple sovereign nations represents a dramatic escalation.
Background
The strikes follow weeks of rising tensions after the collapse of nuclear negotiations. The Financial Times reported Trump shifted from his no new wars rhetoric to openly calling for regime change.
Key Perspectives
Analysts warn that the history of US military interventions in the Middle East shows those launching assaults are rarely able to control the outcome. Gulf states hosting US assets now find themselves caught in the crossfire.
What to Watch
Whether Iran's retaliation escalates further or represents a calibrated response. Oil market reactions and potential supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz. Whether NATO allies are drawn into the conflict.
Sources
- Israel and US attack Iran, sparking retaliatory strikes
- Starmer chairs Cobra meeting after strikes by US and Israel on Iran
- Iran strikes US military base in Bahrain as explosions heard across Gulf
- Emergency alert interrupts Al Jazeera broadcast before attack in Qatar
- Moment of Iran strike on US military base in Bahrain
- Multiple Gulf Arab states that host US assets targeted in Iran retaliation
- US Israel bomb Iran: A timeline of talks and threats
- Airspace closed, airlines halt flights as US, Israel attack, Iran responds
- What to Know About the U.S. Attacks on Iran
- World Leaders React to US-Led Attack on Iran
- Trump case for striking Iran rests on questionable claims
- Israelis Take Shelter as Sirens Warn of Incoming Missiles
- Trump and Netanyahu have decided on war
- Trump shifts from no new wars to Iran regime change
- Military briefing: What have US and Israel hit and how is Iran responding
- Trump gambles on war to force Iran capitulation
- Iran retaliation raises questions about US air defences
- Iran Strikes U.S. Military Facilities Across Gulf Region