Iran said it expanded its military campaign across the Gulf overnight by targeting facilities in Oman and several neighboring countries, while Bahrain announced that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed multiple drones and missiles as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continued to intensify.
The latest escalation followed renewed United States military strikes on Iranian targets and competing claims by Washington and Tehran over who controls the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said its latest operations struck military related facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, destroyed radar systems in Oman and hit fuel storage sites and ammunition depots at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan.
The attacks were described by Tehran as retaliation for fresh United States military operations carried out against Iranian positions.
Hours earlier, the United States Central Command said American forces maintained operational control over the Strait of Hormuz and had launched additional strikes “to hold Iranian forces accountable.”
Iran immediately rejected that claim.
In a statement, the Revolutionary Guard declared that the Strait of Hormuz is under Iranian control and warned that it would not tolerate what it described as foreign military interference in the waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and we will not allow a rogue and child killing army from the other side of the world to continue its illegal interference,” the statement said.
Bahrain later confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed several Iranian drones and missiles early Monday.
Authorities did not immediately disclose whether the attacks caused damage or casualties, saying assessments were still underway.
Iran had earlier identified Bahrain among the countries it said had been targeted during its regional military operation.
The renewed hostilities have placed fresh strain on an interim agreement reached between Washington and Tehran last month that sought to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create a sixty day period for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
The agreement now faces growing uncertainty as military exchanges continue across the region.
Separately, the United Kingdom on Monday formally designated Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, citing what it described as threats to life and intimidation activities carried out on British soil.
The move adds to mounting diplomatic pressure on Tehran amid the widening regional crisis.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, carrying a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any sustained disruption to shipping through the narrow passage could have immediate consequences for global energy markets, international trade and regional security.
Military analysts also warn that the conflict is no longer confined to direct exchanges between Iran and the United States. The latest strikes involving Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan suggest the confrontation is expanding geographically, increasing the possibility that additional regional states could become directly involved if diplomatic efforts fail to halt the escalation.
What Authorities Are Saying
Iran says its attacks were a direct response to recent United States military operations and insists it retains authority over the Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain says its air defenses successfully intercepted incoming drones and missiles, while the United States maintains its forces continue operations to safeguard regional security.
Why This Matters
The widening conflict threatens stability across the Gulf at a time when the Strait of Hormuz remains essential to global energy supplies. Continued military exchanges could disrupt commercial shipping, increase oil prices and raise the risk of a broader regional war involving multiple countries.
What Happens Next
Regional governments are expected to strengthen military readiness around key installations and maritime infrastructure while international diplomatic efforts continue in an attempt to prevent further escalation. Markets and shipping companies are likely to closely monitor developments in the Strait of Hormuz over the coming days.
TheIndependent
