Iran Widens Attacks on Gulf States, Declares Strait of Hormuz Closed Amid US Strikes

The United States and Iran have engaged in heavy missile and drone assaults, with Tehran expanding its targets to U.S. facilities across the Gulf and announcing the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, according to reports from Reuters.

Escalating Military Exchange

The weekend's violence marks a significant escalation in the conflict, extending Iran's attacks to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for a series of strikes, stating they had targeted:

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

In response, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday it was launching more strikes against Iran to "degrade their ability to attack civilian mariners." CENTCOM said its forces had hit 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday, bringing the total to over 300 this week. U.S. President Donald Trump told Reuters in a brief interview, "We’re beating them up."

Strait of Hormuz Showdown

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Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for one-fifth of the world's pre-war oil supply, closed. A newly formed "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" said passage was not possible due to U.S. military movements and that permits would be required once stability is restored. The declaration followed attacks on at least two commercial vessels, including the container ship *GFS Galaxy*, after which one Indian national was reported missing.

The U.S. military has contested Iran's claim of control. A CENTCOM statement asserted, "Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing." The U.S. Navy has reiterated guidance for ships to use an "expanded" southern route near Oman, despite acknowledging a severe security threat.

Diplomatic Fallout and Regional Impact

These developments cast serious doubt on an interim U.S.-Iranian agreement signed last month aimed at de-escalation. Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, posted on social media platform X, "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price." Iran's foreign ministry also blamed "overt and covert" U.S. pressure for the failure of talks with Oman on Saturday regarding management of the strait.

The expanded attacks have drawn condemnation from regional states. Qatar reported three civilian injuries from falling shrapnel, while Kuwait confirmed damage to an oil drilling platform that injured one worker. Oman summoned Iran's ambassador to protest drone attacks, and Bahrain said it intercepted several Iranian aerial threats.