Air defence systems across several Gulf states and Jordan intercepted missiles and drones after a night of US air strikes on Iran, turning the region’s already tense standoff into a wider security scare.
Qatar reported the most serious immediate impact, with its Ministry of Interior saying three people, including one child, were injured by falling shrapnel after warnings were sent to residents.
Regional alerts and interceptions
The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain all issued warnings on Saturday night and Sunday morning about incoming missiles and drones. Kuwait said its military responded to attacks on its territory early on Sunday, while air defences in the UAE were activated after reports of incoming launches from Iran.
In Bahrain, warning sirens blared three times on Sunday morning as authorities alerted residents to the threat. Jordan said three missiles from Iran fell in the country without causing any casualties.
| Location | Reported Incident | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar | Warnings issued; falling shrapnel reported | 3 injured, including 1 child |
| UAE | Air defences activated | No casualties reported |
| Kuwait | Military responded to attacks | Details not disclosed |
| Bahrain | Sirens sounded three times | Warning issued to residents |
| Jordan | 3 missiles fell | No casualties |
Claims from Iran and the US response
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it targeted a United States radar site in Kuwait and destroyed a command-and-control centre and drone hangars at a military base in Jordan used by US forces. It also said a fighter jet maintenance facility at a military base in Qatar was destroyed, although Qatar’s government said all projectiles were intercepted.
Tehran further claimed that a US aircraft carrier support and refuelling platform in the Omani port of Duqm was targeted, while Oman’s state news agency reported drones were launched at Musandam on Sunday.
US forces hit about 140 military targets in Iran early on Sunday, according to US Central Command, in the third night of strikes. The action followed Iran’s attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that remains central to the confrontation.
Shipping pressure adds another layer
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said a container ship was attacked off Oman and the crew was rescued by local authorities. Earlier, US Central Command said the IRGC attacked the M/V GFS Galaxy, causing a fire on board and significant engine room damage.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said 11 Indian citizens were on board the vessel, 10 were rescued and one was missing. It said its embassy in Muscat was following the situation and appealed for calm.
Iran said it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again after it was partly reopened following a memorandum of understanding signed with Washington in mid-June aimed at ending the war. The latest wave of missile and drone activity has left Gulf states on alert while the maritime threat around Oman and the Strait of Hormuz continues to deepen.