New Iran strikes on Gulf as US attacks escalate: What we know
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched retaliatory strikes against US military facilities in Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait overnight, while the US hit targets in Iran's Khuzestan province.
Latest Developments
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a new wave of retaliatory strikes against US forces in the Gulf region on Monday. The attacks came as Washington escalated its own strikes, dimming prospects for peace between the two countries.
Targets of the Attacks
Oman: The IRGC said it struck Oman, destroying FPS long-range aerial radar and vessel detection radar systems.
Bahrain: The IRGC launched missile and drone attacks on "installations and infrastructure of the aggressive US army" in Juffair, including Sheikh Isa Air Base. Bahrain’s Interior Ministry confirmed sirens and urged calm.
Jordan: Jordan’s military reported intercepting four missiles from Iranian territory. The IRGC earlier claimed it targeted Prince Hassan Air Base, setting fire to fuel depots and ammunition storage facilities.
Kuwait: The IRGC said it hit a US surface-to-surface missile base, destroying two HIMARS launchers and ammunition warehouses. Kuwait’s Army General Staff reported engaging hostile aerial targets.
US Strikes on Iran
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it struck Iranian military targets with precision munitions to degrade Iran’s ability to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Targets included air-defense systems, coastal radars, missile and drone capabilities, and small boats. CENTCOM used one-way attack sea drones for the first time.
Iran’s Khuzestan deputy governor reported at least eight locations hit. In Mahshahr, one person was killed and four injured when a projectile struck an agricultural water-pumping station. A US-made LUCAS suicide drone was shot down in Bandar Abbas.
Political Statements
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US strikes. US President Donald Trump insisted the Strait of Hormuz was open and called Iran “evil people.”
Resumption of Conflict
On July 6, the IRGC struck three commercial vessels off Oman, accusing them of unauthorized passage. This followed a June memorandum of understanding with the US on strait traffic management. On July 7, the US struck Iranian military targets, prompting Iranian retaliation. Trump declared the MoU over on Wednesday, and the IRGC closed the Strait of Hormuz again on Saturday.
Impact on Shipping
Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to its lowest in five weeks. On Sunday, six ships transited, carrying Iranian and Kuwaiti oil.
