Iran attacks Gulf countries following fresh US strikes – Middle East crisis live

Iran launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbors and announced the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S. strikes early Sunday. The attacks targeted Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

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The United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed its forces carried out a round of strikes against Iran, hitting at least 140 targets. These included missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition depots, communication networks, and surveillance locations. A U.S. military statement indicated the goal was to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting the strait.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for initial actions, stating they struck a Cyprus-registered container ship for sailing an "unauthorised route." The IRGC later announced they had hit a second vessel for "violating regulations" and "jeopardising maritime security." The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, raises concerns about further disruption to energy markets.

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A vessel that had jeopardised maritime security by switching off its systems was struck and brought to a halt.

In a separate development, the office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham announced his death from a sudden illness. Graham, a prominent Republican ally of Donald Trump, had served as a senator for South Carolina since 2003 and was known for his hawkish stance on military action, particularly concerning Iran.

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Iran attacks Gulf countries after fresh US strikes