Iran targets US bases across Gulf

The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Wednesday after Iran claimed it carried out a new wave of drone attacks on US military bases in

The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Wednesday after Iran claimed it carried out a new wave of drone attacks on US military bases in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait. The latest attacks marked another major escalation in the ongoing regional conflict that has continued for months.

Iranian military officials said attack drones targeted Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Camp Doha in Kuwait. According to Iranian authorities, the strikes focused on military warehouses, logistics facilities, aircraft maintenance centers and ammunition depots used by US forces.

Jordan confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted several missiles and drones after they entered the country’s airspace. Officials said four missiles were destroyed while two landed in remote desert areas. No casualties or property damage were reported.

Air raid sirens also sounded in Jordan’s southern port city of Aqaba. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising over the area. Authorities urged residents to remain alert but confirmed that the situation was under control.

Bahrain’s military said its air defense systems successfully intercepted several incoming aerial threats after warning sirens were activated across the country. Officials did not report any casualties or major damage.

Iran also claimed it launched a large number of drones against Camp Doha in Kuwait. Iranian media said the attack targeted US ammunition storage sites and military logistics equipment. Kuwait had not issued an official response at the time of reporting.

The latest attacks came only a day after Iran launched missile strikes against US-linked military facilities in Jordan and Bahrain, increasing fears that the conflict could spread further across the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains prepared to negotiate with Iran if Tehran shows genuine willingness to engage in serious talks. Speaking during a regional meeting in Manila, Rubio said the United States continues to support diplomacy but believes Iran is not currently committed to meaningful negotiations.

He warned that Iran must not be allowed to threaten international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio said any attempt to control one of the world’s busiest shipping routes would create a dangerous precedent and threaten global trade.

The security situation has already affected international energy markets. Global oil prices climbed again as fears grew over possible disruptions to oil supplies from the Gulf. Brent crude traded above $91 per barrel, while fuel prices also increased in international markets.

The crisis worsened after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia. The move forced several oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to change their routes in the Red Sea because of growing security concerns.

French shipping company CMA CGM announced an emergency surcharge on cargo shipments starting August 1. The company said the worsening security situation around the Strait of Hormuz has significantly increased fuel and transportation costs.

At the same time, US forces carried out another round of airstrikes inside Iran. American military officials said the strikes targeted command centers, drone storage facilities, aircraft hangars, logistics sites and maritime capabilities. The operation marked the 11th consecutive night of US military attacks.

Iranian media reported explosions in Tehran, Bushehr, Chabahar, Konarak and parts of Ilam province. Officials said a missile strike damaged an electrical substation supplying power to the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Electricity was restored after several hours, and authorities reported no casualties.

US President Donald Trump said 18 American service members have been killed since the conflict began, including four who died in recent Iranian attacks on US military bases in Jordan and Iraq. He said the United States would continue protecting its forces and allies in the region.

Iran also claimed it targeted infrastructure linked to a major American technology company operating in Bahrain. However, the claim has not been independently verified.

The conflict began in late February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Since then, military operations have expanded across several countries in the Middle East. Despite ongoing mediation efforts by regional countries, including Pakistan, no ceasefire agreement has been reached