Iran launches massive missile, drone attack across Gulf states

Iran has claimed to have launched a series of coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities across the Gulf region, saying the attacks were carried out in retaliation for the latest round of American strikes on Iranian territory.

According to Al Jazeera, the escalation followed overnight US attacks on Iran, marking Washington's third military strike this week.

In a statement, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it carried out "heavy and surprise" strikes on a logistics and refuelling facility used to support US aircraft carriers at Oman's Duqm Port.

Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the facility had been destroyed, describing the operation as the third phase of Tehran's retaliatory campaign against recent US attacks.

The IRGC also claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile strike targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, alleging that the attack hit the base's command-and-control centre as well as aircraft maintenance facilities.

However, Qatar's Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems successfully intercepted a missile aimed at the country's airspace and did not confirm any damage to military installations.

Iran further claimed to have launched drone attacks against US military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain. According to Iranian statements, explosive-laden drones targeted a Patriot air defence system, an ammunition depot and a radar installation in Kuwait, while communications and radar facilities used by US forces in Bahrain were also struck.

The claims have not been independently verified, and US authorities have yet to issue a comprehensive response regarding the reported attacks or the alleged damage.

Iran said the operations were conducted in response to what it described as continued US military strikes in southern Iran, further heightening tensions across the Gulf as fears of a broader regional conflict continue to grow.