Iran-US conflict escalates with missile strikes and Hormuz closure
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a coordinated missile and drone campaign against U.S. military facilities in Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base, Bahrain’s Juffair base, Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber air bases, as well as sites in Oman and Qatar. Targets included communications gear, fuel depots, Patriot air‑defence batteries and radar installations.
Iran described the attacks as retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on southern Iran ordered by President Donald Trump, which the United States said aimed to curb Iran’s ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump later announced a renewed blockade of the strait, a 20 % fee on cargoes and pledged “very strong” further attacks on Iran.
Tehran warned that the Strait of Hormuz would stay closed until U.S. forces withdraw and that any additional U.S. incursions would provoke “more severe” responses. The United Kingdom also moved to ban support for the IRGC, designating it a national security threat.
The exchange has heightened regional tension, with Bahrain and Kuwait reporting alarms and attacks shortly after Trump’s statements, and global oil markets reacting to the risk of disrupted shipments.