Iran Broadens Gulf Attacks, Claims Strait of Hormuz Closed Amid Clashes with US

The United States and Iran have engaged in a significant escalation of hostilities, with Tehran launching widespread missile and drone attacks against U.S. facilities across the Gulf and declaring the vital Strait of Hormuz closed to unauthorized shipping.

Sunday's barrage marks a serious widening of the conflict, with strikes extending to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for the first time in months, according to a Reuters report. The escalating cycle of attacks casts further doubt on a fragile interim agreement signed last month aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

A Widening Conflict

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for a series of attacks in response to recent U.S. airstrikes. According to Iranian state media and statements from regional governments, the targets included:

• A U.S. radar site in Kuwait.
• A command-and-control center and drone hangars in Jordan.
• U.S. aircraft carrier support platforms in Oman.
• A jet maintenance center and command facility in Qatar.

The UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman all reported intercepting or being targeted by Iranian missiles and drones. U.S. Central Command stated its forces had conducted retaliatory strikes, hitting more than 300 Iranian military targets over the past three nights to "degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners."

Strait of Hormuz in Focus

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Iran’s newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced Sunday that passage through the waterway was "not currently possible," citing "illegal movements of the United States military forces." The strait is a critical chokepoint for global energy markets, previously handling about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Tehran also claimed it had struck two vessels traveling on an unauthorized route. India's government confirmed one of its nationals was missing after an attack on the container ship GFS Galaxy. However, U.S. Central Command disputed Iran's claim of a full closure, stating, "Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing," and noting that an "expanded" southern route near Oman remains available.

Diplomatic Fallout

The renewed violence threatens to completely derail a ceasefire agreement negotiated last month. U.S. President Donald Trump said last week he considers the ceasefire over, though he left the possibility of further talks open. The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, has destabilized the region and contributed to higher energy prices and global inflation.

Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, posted a defiant message on the social media platform X, stating: "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price." The statement underscores the deteriorating diplomatic situation as military actions intensify.