Escalation in Persian Gulf: Iran Launches Strikes on U.S. Bases
The Persian Gulf was thrust into a dangerous new phase of escalation Wednesday as Iranian forces carried out coordinated attacks on multiple U.S. military installations across the region, according to Iranian state television.
Explosions were reported at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates after it was targeted by Iranian ballistic missiles, prompting the UAE to close its airspace. In Bahrain, thick smoke rose over the Al Jufair district, home to the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters, following an alleged strike.
Qatar’s Interior Ministry issued shelter-in-place orders after a Patriot missile system intercepted a projectile near Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar has also closed its airspace.
Local authorities in several Gulf countries urged citizens to remain indoors and avoid military sites as the security situation remains highly volatile.
