Iran has launched strikes against US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, and United Arab Emirates, confirming one fatality in the UAE.
Iranian Claims of Retaliation
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the actions are a direct response to previous American-Israeli strikes. In an official statement, they cited the attack on the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, which for years has been a key element of American military presence in the Persian Gulf region. The fleet is responsible for naval operations in the area including the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and part of the Indian Ocean.
Targets in Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE
Military installations in Qatar were also targeted, where Al Udeid base – the largest American military facility in the Middle East – is located, as well as facilities in the United Arab Emirates. According to available information, no significant damage to infrastructure was reported in Bahrain and Qatar. In the UAE, one fatality was confirmed, though no details about the identity or circumstances were provided.
US Response and Trump’s Warning
Simultaneously, Iranian missiles and drones were directed toward selected military targets in Israel. The Israeli side reported activating air defense systems and intercepting some threats. US President Donald Trump, in a recording published after the operation began, announced that the US is conducting “serious combat operations” on Iranian territory. Addressing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps directly, he said: “You must lay down your arms and you will receive full amnesty or expect death.”
Strategic Importance of Targeted Bases
The US Fifth Fleet Command in Bahrain is responsible for the security of key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies are transported. The attack on facilities associated with the Fifth Fleet has both military and symbolic dimensions, signaling that Tehran is prepared to strike the most important elements of American security architecture in the region.
The Al Udeid base in Qatar plays a central role in US air operations in the Middle East, where thousands of soldiers are stationed. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates host facilities used by US air force and navy.
Risk of Wider Conflict
According to available information, air defense systems in the region have been placed in the highest state of alert. The lack of reports of significant damage may indicate the effectiveness of interceptions, though the confirmed fatality in the UAE shows that the threat was real.
A direct confrontation between Iran and the United States carries the risk of dragging other regional countries into the conflict. Iraq and Kuwait are also within range of Iranian missiles, and American military installations operate on their territories. Escalation could also affect global energy markets and shipping security in the Persian Gulf.