Iran Targets US Bases in Gulf as Regional Tensions Escalate

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launched attacks on American military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, while also claiming to have destroyed radar systems in Oman and struck fuel tanks and ammunition depots at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan.

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The attacks were described by Tehran as retaliation for the latest US strikes and marked a significant escalation in the growing confrontation between the two countries.

Jordan said it intercepted and shot down four missiles fired from Iranian territory. Meanwhile, Kuwait's military said it had intercepted "hostile aerial targets" within the country's airspace.

Iran Expands Retaliatory Strikes

The latest exchange of attacks comes as Iran seeks to reinforce its position over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which it regards as its strongest source of leverage in negotiations with Washington.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran is attempting to establish a joint mechanism with Oman to manage the waterway. He accused the United States of hindering those efforts by pressuring Oman, although he did not explain how that pressure was being applied.

Oman Proposal Under Discussion

Talks held on Saturday aimed at easing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz included a proposal from Oman to fully reopen both shipping lanes through the waterway, according to Axios, citing a diplomat briefed on the negotiations.

Under the reported proposal, the southern shipping route through Omani waters would reopen without requiring prior approval, restoring arrangements that existed before the conflict.

According to the diplomat, Iran's delegation was unable to approve the proposal during the talks and returned to Tehran to seek further guidance from its leadership.

US Seeks Public Commitment

The United States is demanding that Iran publicly commit to ending attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee that all shipping lanes remain open without tolls or other charges.

Iran has instead established a system directing vessels through northern lanes close to its coastline, where it has argued it can impose fees or tolls. Tehran has also insisted that ships use those routes or risk consequences.

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13 July 2026

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