UAE intercepts Iranian missiles as IRGC claims strikes on US bases

The United Arab Emirates activated its air defense systems on Sunday to intercept incoming Iranian missiles and drones, as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had targeted American military bases in Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar in a major escalation of regional hostilities.

Gulf states activate air defenses amid missile threat

The UAE Ministry of Defense said its systems were actively engaging incoming projectiles, adding that explosions heard across the country resulted from successful interceptions. In Qatar, the Interior Ministry raised the security threat level and urged residents to remain indoors or seek immediate shelter, while Bahrain's Interior Ministry activated air raid sirens and called for public calm.

Kuwait's armed forces later confirmed they were intercepting hostile aerial targets inside the country's airspace, with the General Staff stating that any explosions heard represented defensive operations. Qatar's Defense Ministry subsequently reported successfully intercepting a missile attack, with the Interior Ministry declaring the security threat eliminated and the situation returned to normal.

IRGC claims strikes on Prince Hassan Air Base

The IRGC said it launched the first phase of retaliation against US positions, targeting critical infrastructure at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan. "In the first phase of this response, they targeted critical military infrastructure and facilities at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, destroying the base's command and control center and the hangars for MQ9 drones with several ballistic missiles," the force said.

The statement accused the US of attempting to "impose its will" on Oman by encouraging vessels to take an "illegal course" through the southern Strait of Hormuz, saying Iranian naval forces delivered "a decisive response." The IRGC said US airstrikes subsequently hit Iranian coastal bases, prompting further action. "The American child-killing army, in an attempt to compensate for this failure, launched an aerial attack against several coastal bases and communication towers on the southern coast. As we had promised, they immediately received a crushing response to their aggression," it said.

Iran claims attacks on Kuwait, Qatar and Oman

The IRGC claimed its Aerospace Force used explosive drones to strike a Patriot air defense system, ammunition depot and radar site in Kuwait, while also targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with ballistic missiles. The statement said the base's fighter jet maintenance center and command headquarters were hit in a second round of strikes, and claimed a second US vessel was struck and disabled in the Strait of Hormuz.

The force also announced a "heavy and surprise" attack on logistics support centers and refueling platforms at the Port of Duqm in Oman, which the IRGC's public relations office told state broadcaster IRIB were "destroyed." The IRGC warned that "continued aggression by the treacherous American regime will result in even stronger responses."

US launches third round of strikes

The United States launched a third round of strikes targeting radar, missile and drone sites across southern Iran following the exchanges. The attacks came after Iran opened fire on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and announced the closure of the strategic waterway until further notice, with one crew member reported missing by US Central Command.