**Missiles and Drones Fired at Gulf States Following US Strikes on Iran**
*Published On 12 Jul 2026*
Air defense systems across several Gulf states and Jordan successfully intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran in the wake of a series of US air strikes targeting Iranian military installations. The incidents unfolded during the night of July 11-12, 2026, following escalating tensions in the region.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain issued alerts to their residents on Saturday night and into Sunday morning regarding incoming attacks. Kuwait's military confirmed that it responded to the threats early on Sunday, while Bahrain activated its air defense systems, which triggered warning sirens on multiple occasions.
In Qatar, the Ministry of Interior reported that three individuals, including a child, sustained injuries due to falling shrapnel from intercepted projectiles. Meanwhile, three Iranian missiles landed in Jordan; however, local authorities reported no casualties from those impacts.
The Iranian military, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they targeted a US radar site in Kuwait and destroyed a command-and-control center, as well as drone hangars at a military base in Jordan utilized by US forces. Iran also asserted that it had struck a fighter jet maintenance facility in Qatar, although the Qatari government contended that all incoming projectiles were successfully intercepted.
Additionally, Iran claimed to have targeted a US aircraft carrier support and refueling platform located in the Omani port of Duqm. Reports from Oman’s state news agency indicated that the enclave of Musandam was among the areas targeted by Iranian drones.
In a significant military response, US forces conducted air strikes on approximately 140 military targets within Iran, as reported by the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM). These strikes were described as a continuation of military actions following an earlier attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, which had been attributed to the IRGC. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed that a container ship, the M/V GFS Galaxy, was attacked off the coast of Oman, leading to a fire and substantial damage to the ship's engine room. The crew, consisting of 11 Indian nationals, faced perilous conditions, with 10 being rescued while one individual remained missing. India's Ministry of External Affairs is actively monitoring the situation and has urged for calm amidst the unfolding crisis.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil shipments, has been a focal point of contention between the US and Iran, especially following the resumption of hostilities that began in February 2026. Iran's recent actions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have heightened tensions, particularly after a brief period of de-escalation following a memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June aimed at curbing hostilities.
As the situation continues to develop, regional and international observers are closely monitoring the implications of these military exchanges, which could further destabilize an already volatile area. The ongoing conflict underscores the fragile security environment in the Gulf region, where military engagements and retaliatory strikes have become increasingly common.