Iran attacks five Gulf nations, shuts Hormuz after US bombing: All to know

What Happened

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Qatar, and Oman on Sunday, according to Iranian state media and IRGC statements. The IRGC claimed strikes on logistics centers at Duqm port in Oman, Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, a Patriot system in Kuwait, and Prince Hassan airbase in Jordan, among others. Qatar's Ministry of Defence said it intercepted incoming fire, with three people wounded by shrapnel. Separately, the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after firing on commercial vessels, with one crew member missing per CENTCOM. The US carried out its third round of strikes on Iran in a week, hitting 140 military targets including missile sites and naval capabilities; over 300 targets were struck across three nights, CENTCOM said. The escalation follows a series of tit-for-tat actions after a fragile MoU collapsed, with US President Trump declaring the ceasefire over on Wednesday.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for a significant share of global oil and LNG transit, directly threatens energy markets and international trade. Iran’s simultaneous attacks on five GCC states—some hosting major US bases—risks drawing the entire Gulf into a direct conflict, testing the cohesion of the GCC and potentially triggering collective defense responses. The escalation dismantles the already fragile MoU and raises the specter of a wider regional war, with implications for US force posture, diplomatic channels, and the safety of maritime shipping.

Watch For

Immediate responses from the targeted GCC states, particularly Oman and Qatar, which may retaliate or seek diplomatic off-ramps. Monitoring of shipping insurance rates and oil price spikes. CENTCOM may announce further strikes if Iran’s campaign continues. The UN Security Council could convene, given the threat to international waterways. Verification of damage claims by both sides, and any renewed backchannel talks via Oman. The fate of the missing crew member and potential Iranian boarding of vessels.