Iran Launches Counterattacks Against US Bases in the Gulf/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Iran launched missiles and drones at U.S. military bases in the Gulf and at Israel. American and Gulf air defenses intercepted many of the incoming strikes. Regional leaders warned the escalation could trigger wider war.
Quick Look
- Iranian missiles targeted U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain.
- Strikes also aimed at bases in Qatar and UAE.
- Drones and missiles launched toward Israel.
- U.S. air defenses intercepted multiple projectiles.
- UAE reported one casualty from debris.
- Saudi Arabia and EU leaders condemned escalation.
- Airlines cancel flights amid regional airspace closures.
Deep Look: Iran Launches Counterattacks Against US Bases in the Gulf
Iran launched sweeping counterattacks Saturday against U.S. military installations across the Persian Gulf and against Israel, dramatically escalating hostilities following earlier joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said missiles and drones struck the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain, along with American facilities in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The statement, carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, described the attacks as retaliation for what it called “American-Zionist aggression on Iranian soil.”
A U.S. official said American air defense systems intercepted several Iranian missiles targeting bases including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.
Qatar and the UAE confirmed they intercepted incoming missiles. The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported one casualty caused by falling debris. Kuwait said its armed forces repelled attacks and reserved the right to respond “in a manner commensurate with the scale and nature of this violation and in accordance with international law.”
Strikes on Israel
The IRGC also confirmed launching a wave of drones and missiles toward Israel. The Israel Defense Forces said air raid sirens were activated in several areas, including Tel Aviv, as air defenses worked to intercept incoming threats.
The coordinated attacks mark one of the most direct confrontations between Iran and U.S. forces in the Gulf region in years.
International Reactions
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola condemned Iran’s actions, calling the strikes on U.S. bases in Gulf countries “inexcusable and unjustifiable.”
“The regime in Iran must refrain from any further escalation in any targeting of the Gulf States, Israel or European or United States nationals,” she wrote on social media, warning that the crisis must not spiral into broader regional conflict affecting Europe and beyond.
Saudi Arabia also strongly denounced Iran’s actions, describing them as a “blatant aggression” and a violation of the sovereignty of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. Riyadh warned of “grave consequences” if violations of international law continue.
Regional Disruption
The escalation has disrupted civilian travel across the Middle East. Major airlines suspended flights to and from several Gulf destinations amid widespread airspace closures, citing safety concerns.
As military exchanges intensify and diplomatic efforts struggle to contain the fallout, the region faces the prospect of further retaliation and widening conflict, raising fears of prolonged instability in one of the world’s most strategically vital areas.
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