Iran retaliated strongly against the US and Israeli airstrikes. Iran’s response was a barrage of missiles and drones targeting military bases and facilities in several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The attack caused damage and injuries. At least three people were killed in the UAE, while several others were injured in Kuwait and Bahrain.
The United States and its Arab allies strongly condemned Iran’s actions, calling them “indiscriminate and reckless” and a “dangerous escalation” that threatens regional stability. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also issued a joint statement reaffirming member countries’ rights to self-defense and collective defense under the UN Charter.
Iranian attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, including airports, ports and military facilities, disrupting trade and travel. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, has been closed and several countries have issued travel advisories.
Defense expert Lieutenant General DP Pandey told India Today, “Iran has prepared extensively for a joint Israeli-American attack after Operation Lion Rise, with legitimate support from China. The coordinated response shows a well-planned strategy. The war will not be one-sided and will impose costs on both sides, not just the Gulf states that could act as collateral. This could become a regional conflict with global implications.”
Iran has used a variety of missiles and drones in retaliation, targeting military bases and facilities in the region.
Ballistic missiles: Iran is believed to have used variants such as Sejjil, Shahab-3, Emad, Ghadr-1 and Khorramshahr to target US and Israeli facilities. These missiles have a range of up to 2,500 km, which could put their hands on assets associated with Israel and the United States.
Cruise missiles: Iran has also deployed cruise missiles such as the Soumar, Ya-Ali, and Quds, which can fly at low altitudes and follow terrain contours, making detection more difficult.
Drone: Tehran has launched multiple drones, including one-way attack drones, to overwhelm air defense systems and maintain disruption of airports, ports and energy facilities.
Short-range missiles: Systems of the Fateh family, including Zolfaghar and Qiam-1, are designed for rapid area attacks against nearby military targets.
Iranian retaliation targeted US military bases in the following areas:
- Bahrain: NSA Bahrain is the key command center for regional operations.
- Kuwait: Ali Al Salem Air Base
- Qatar: Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the region
- UAE: Al Dhafra Air Base
- Jordan: Muwafaq Al Salti Air Base
- Iraq: Ain al-Asad Air Base and Erbil Air Base
The attack also hit Israeli targets, including an air base and an army headquarters in Tel Aviv.
Iran’s “mosaic defense” tactics include covert drone and missile launches dispersed across the country, making interception more difficult for the enemy.
The situation remains fluid, with the United States, Israel, and Iran locked in a complex strategic standoff. The international community is calling for restraint and diplomacy to prevent the situation from escalating further.
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