The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its Aerospace Force carried out the operation in retaliation for US action against targets in Sirik and Qeshm Island, two strategically sensitive locations along the waterway that connects Gulf energy exporters to global markets. The force said the attacks were aimed at bases used in operations against Iran, without giving a full list of locations or confirmed damage.
US military officials said Iranian ballistic missiles and drones were intercepted after being launched towards Gulf allies and maritime routes near Hormuz. Seven ballistic missiles were reported to have been fired, with six intercepted and one failing to strike its target. Four Iranian one-way attack drones were also shot down before reaching shipping lanes. No US casualties were reported.
Kuwait sounded repeated air raid sirens as authorities activated defensive measures around key installations, including areas linked to military and transport infrastructure. Iran claimed it had targeted the Ali Al Salem airbase, which hosts US forces. Bahrain also issued alerts after Iran said the US Fifth Fleet headquarters had been among its targets. Washington denied that either major facility had suffered significant damage.
The escalation followed US strikes on Iranian radar and surveillance positions after drones were launched towards the Strait of Hormuz. Those US strikes hit sites in Goruk and Qeshm Island, described by Washington as coastal systems used to monitor and threaten maritime traffic. Tehran framed the operation as an attack on its sovereignty and vowed a response.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the central risk in the confrontation. The narrow channel carries about one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption and more than a quarter of seaborne oil trade, while also serving as a major route for liquefied natural gas shipments from Qatar. Any sustained disruption would expose Asian buyers, Gulf exporters and global refiners to severe supply pressure.
Oil markets had already been trading at elevated levels before Saturday’s missile claims. Brent crude was near $95 a barrel at the end of the week, while West Texas Intermediate remained above $92. Traders had been balancing expectations of diplomatic progress against the risk that renewed attacks around Hormuz could push prices back above the levels seen during earlier phases of the conflict.
The latest exchange places fresh strain on a fragile US-Iran ceasefire arrangement that had been under discussion for extension. Negotiations have centred on sanctions relief, restrictions on military activity, port access and guarantees over Gulf shipping. Tehran has also linked wider de-escalation to developments involving Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, complicating attempts to isolate the Gulf front from other conflicts.
Kuwait and Bahrain now face the most immediate exposure among Gulf states hosting US military assets. Both governments have sought to reassure residents while keeping air defence systems on high alert. Civil aviation and energy operators across the region are reviewing contingency procedures, although no full closure of Gulf airspace or shipping channels had been announced by Saturday.
The confrontation has also revived concerns over miscalculation between Iran’s military command, US Central Command and allied Gulf defence systems. Missile interception over densely populated areas creates risks from debris, while attacks near bases and ports could quickly affect civilian infrastructure even when military targets are the declared objective.
Iran’s leadership is under pressure to demonstrate that attacks on its coastal facilities will carry costs, particularly after US strikes on systems near Hormuz. The IRGC, which controls key missile, drone and naval capabilities, has repeatedly warned that it can target bases, vessels and energy routes if Iran’s territory is struck.
Washington is attempting to project deterrence without sliding into a wider war. President Donald Trump has said the US has significantly damaged Iran’s missile and drone capacity, while acknowledging that Tehran retains a substantial arsenal. US officials have continued to describe their actions as defensive operations intended to protect shipping and allied forces.
