Gulf Nations Face Attacks and Disruptions as Key Oil Route Comes Under Threat.
The US military and Iran exchanged further strikes over the weekend, raising concerns across Gulf nations as the Strait of Hormuz became a central point of the escalating crisis.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy and shipping routes, is now at the heart of the standoff. Conflicting claims over its status have heightened uncertainty about potential impacts on global trade, oil markets and regional security.
Here are the latest developments:
US launches new wave of strikes on Iran
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said it carried out another wave of strikes against Iran on July 12, targeting dozens of locations with precision-guided weapons.
CENTCOM said the strikes focused on:
Targets hit in US strikes
CENTCOM said the operation targeted:
- Iranian air defence systems
- Coastal radar installations
- Missile and drone capabilities
- Small boats linked to maritime operations
The US military said the strikes involved fighter jets, naval vessels, aerial drones and maritime drones. The operation was aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM said the waterway remains open to international shipping and that US forces are prepared to uphold freedom of navigation.
Iran reports explosions and casualties after US strikes
Iranian state media reported explosions in several areas, including the port cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Jask, as well as Qeshm Island.
A security official said one person was killed and four others were injured after a projectile hit a water pumping station in Mahshahr County, in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province. Iran’s state news agency IRNA also reported the death of one person and injuries to four others.
Iran claims attacks on Gulf and regional airbases
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for attacks on military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, describing them as retaliatory actions following US strikes on Iran.
- Kuwait: The IRGC said it targeted Ali Al-Salem Air Base and Ahmed Al-Jaber Air Base, claiming it struck fuel storage facilities, Patriot air defence systems and a strategic radar site.
- Bahrain: The IRGC said facilities at Sheikh Isa Air Base were targeted during the second phase of its retaliatory operations.
- Jordan: The IRGC claimed it carried out missile and drone strikes on Prince Hassan Air Base, saying the attacks caused fires at fuel depots and ammunition storage areas.
The claims come as tensions continue to rise between Iran, the US and Gulf countries, with regional governments closely monitoring security developments.
Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of tensions
Iran announced another closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, further escalating concerns around one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments, with a significant portion of international energy trade passing through it.
The US military said commercial shipping continued to move through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran maintained that restrictions would remain until “stability and calm” were restored.
Gulf countries on alert after attacks: What happened on Sunday?
Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar on Sunday, further escalating regional tensions following US strikes on Iranian positions.
UAE says defence systems responded
The UAE said its defence systems responded to Iranian missiles and drones. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority later confirmed that missile threats detected earlier were outside the country’s borders.
Kuwait intercepts aerial targets
Kuwait’s armed forces said they intercepted hostile aerial targets within Kuwaiti airspace following the attacks.
Qatar reports injuries
Qatar said three people, including a child, were injured by falling shrapnel after Iranian attacks targeted locations in the country.
Jordan reports missile strikes
Jordan’s military said three missiles launched from Iranian territory landed at multiple locations across the kingdom. A military source said there were no casualties, with the impact limited to minor property damage.
Oman reports drone attacks
Oman’s state news agency reported that drone attacks targeted locations in the Musandam region. No casualties were reported.
Oil prices rise after fresh strikes
Oil prices moved higher following the latest US strikes and Iran’s announcement regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose more than 3 per cent to around $78.50 a barrel, while US crude prices also gained over 3 per cent, as markets reacted to concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
Iran accuses US of blocking diplomacy
Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the US of applying “overt and covert pressure” to hinder talks with Oman over arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the latest US strikes had damaged diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions.
Trump says Iran was close to a deal
US President Donald Trump said Iran and the US had been close to reaching an agreement before the latest escalation.
He claimed Tehran had been prepared to make concessions before a drone attack on a vessel changed the course of events.
UN calls for immediate halt to fighting
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on the US and Iran to end the renewed hostilities, warning that further escalation could deepen instability across the region.
Shipping incident off Oman
Oman said it rescued 23 crew members from a commercial vessel after a strike forced them to abandon the ship off its coast.
India said one of its citizens remained missing following the incident involving the Cyprus-flagged vessel.
What UAE residents should watch
- Flight and travel updates: Follow airline and airport advisories as regional airspace conditions continue to develop.
- Oil market impact: Any sustained rise in crude prices could affect global energy markets.
- Security updates: Rely on official UAE and Gulf authorities for verified information and announcements.
- Strait of Hormuz developments: Any disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway could impact regional trade and fuel markets.
