US strikes on Iran and drone interceptions over Erbil raise regional tension

The United States launched a sixth consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian targets, hitting an airport, two bridges and a railway station in the Strait of Hormuz area. Iran responded with drone and missile attacks on Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, prompting alarm sirens in the Gulf states.

In northern Iraq, coalition air‑defence systems shot down eight explosive‑laden drones over Erbil (Arbil). Explosions and smoke were reported near the U.S. consulate, but no casualties occurred. Iraq’s prime minister condemned the incident, and the U.S. embassy issued a travel warning urging citizens to avoid Iraq.

The series of strikes, retaliatory attacks and drone interceptions underscues a sharp escalation of hostilities across the Middle East, involving the United States, Iran and several Gulf nations.