Iran continues to strike Gulf states in retaliation to US-Israel war

Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes across multiple Gulf states on Monday for a third consecutive day, saying it was targeting American military assets in response to sustained US and Israeli attacks on the country.

The US–Israeli campaign has struck military, political and infrastructure targets across Iran since the weekend, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior regime leaders, but also seen massive harm to civilians, including the killing of around 160 children following a strike on a school on Saturday.

Iranian authorities say at least 555 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded in the three-day war, describing its response as an act of self-defence.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran was "not attacking our neighbours" but was "attacking American targets" in retaliation for what he called American aggression.

The New Arab looks at how Gulf states have been affected by the Iranian military response.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia said two drones that “attempted to attack” the Ras Tanura oil refinery were intercepted and destroyed.

According to the Saudi defence ministry, the interception of the drones caused a small fire at the facility, but there were no civilian casualties.

Some reported the incident as a strike on the refinery itself, but Saudi authorities insist that the drones were intercepted before impact and that damage was caused by to debris.

Ras Tanura is a critical global oil export hub, making it one of the most strategically sensitive targets in the Gulf.

UAE

Explosions and air-raid sirens were reported in Dubai for the third consecutive day.

Iranian missiles and drones crossed Emirati airspace as part of the retaliatory wave. At least three people have been reported killed in the UAE in the broader strikes, with additional injuries reported.

Authorities activated air defences and emergency services as debris from interceptions fell in urban areas.

Qatar

Loud blasts were heard in Doha, with air defences activated across the capital.

Iranian projectiles are believed to have targeted US-linked military facilities, including sites associated with Al Udeid Air Base.

Later on Monday, Qatar’s Defence Ministry said two drones hit energy infrastructure in the industrial hub of Ras Laffan, with no casualties reported.

“One drone targeted a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed, and the other targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, belonging to Qatar Energy,” it said.

"All damages and losses resulting from the attack will be assessed by the relevant authorities, and an official statement will be issued later," the ministry added

At least 16 people were reported injured in Qatar since the strikes began.

Kuwait

Kuwait’s defence ministry confirmed on Monday that several US military aircraft crashed during the escalation, with crews reported to have survived, though the circumstances of the incidents were not immediately clear.

Kuwaiti air defences also intercepted multiple drones near the Rumaithiya and Salwa neighbourhoods, according to the Kuwait News Agency.

A Reuters witness reported smoke rising near the US embassy in Kuwait City.

At least one person was reported killed in Kuwait in the course of the attacks.

Bahrain

Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior activated air-raid alerts and urged residents to seek shelter.

The Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Bridge linking Manama to surrounding areas was temporarily closed during defensive operations.

While interceptions were reported, the scale of confirmed damage in Bahrain appeared more limited than in some other Gulf states on Monday.

Jordan

Jordan’s military said it intercepted Iranian missiles that entered its airspace.

Falling debris caused material damage in parts of the country, though no major casualties were immediately reported.

Amman condemned the violations of its sovereignty and joined other regional states in issuing a joint statement denouncing Iranian attacks

Oman

Oman said Monday that an oil tanker was targeted northwest of Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat, and its crew was evacuated after a fire erupted.

The Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker MKD VYOM "was attacked by a remotely operated boat" just off the coast of the Muscat Governorate, the Maritime Security Centre said on social media.

The tanker was carrying around 59,463 metric tons of cargo, it stated, adding that the attack caused a fire and an explosion in the main engine room, killing one crew member of Indian nationality.

This follows attacks on three tankers on Sunday off the coast of Oman.

Iraq

Explosions were reported in Erbil in northern Iraq, where a drone strike targeted the vicinity of Erbil International Airport.

The airport hosts coalition forces, including US personnel, and has previously been a focal point for attacks linked to Iran-aligned groups. Local authorities said air defences were activated, though the full extent of damage and any casualties was not immediately clear.