Iran fires retaliatory rockets at US air bases in Qatar and Kuwait amid escalating conflict

Iran Fires Back After US and Israeli Assault.

Iran has launched a sweeping missile attack on American military bases across the Middle East, dramatically escalating tensions just hours after the United States and Israel carried out a large-scale assault on Iranian targets.

Explosions were reported in Bahrain, home to the US Fifth Fleet, as Tehran declared it would strike American assets throughout the region.

The barrage marks one of Iran’s most extensive military responses in nearly a decade and comes in retaliation for what President Donald Trump has called Operation Epic Fury.

An Iranian military spokesperson issued a stark warning, saying Iran would “teach Israel and America a lesson they have never experienced in their history,” and vowed that any base supporting US or Israeli operations would be targeted.

US Bases Across the Gulf Come Under Threat

Iran’s retaliatory strikes reportedly targeted several major American installations, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

Bases in Oman were notably spared, as the country has recently played a mediating role in nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

The Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, oversees naval operations in some of the world’s most volatile waters, from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea.

Thousands of US sailors serve under its command, often alongside coalition partners such as Britain and France.

The scale of the response underscores how quickly the conflict risks spreading beyond a direct US-Iran confrontation.

Trump Defends Offensive and Issues Warning

In an early morning address, President Trump strongly defended the initial US and Israeli assault, condemning Iran’s leadership as “vicious” and accusing the regime of carrying out decades of bloodshed and supporting terrorism across the region.

He pledged to dismantle Iran’s military infrastructure and warned that its regional proxies would be “obliterated.” Iranian troops, he said, would face “certain death” if they refused to lay down their arms.

Trump framed the action as necessary to halt what he described as an ongoing campaign of terror, citing attacks on US forces in the Middle East and long-standing tensions dating back decades.

Israel Braces for Retaliation

As Iran unleashed its response, Israel activated nationwide security measures.

The Israeli Defense Forces reported detecting ballistic missiles launched toward Israeli territory, with air defense systems intercepting incoming threats.

Sirens wailed across Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and cities in both northern and southern Israel. Officials warned of additional missile barrages shortly after the first wave.

While no injuries were immediately reported, missile fragments were said to have fallen in several areas. Citizens received emergency alerts instructing them to head to safe rooms and shelters.

Hospitals, including the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, moved patients into protected areas as a precaution.

Israel has mobilized an additional 20,000 reservists, adding to the 50,000 already on active duty. Authorities instructed civilians to remain in shelters until further notice.

Impact and Consequences

The rapid exchange of strikes has pushed the Middle East closer to a broader regional conflict. Attacks on US bases risk drawing additional nations into the confrontation, especially given the presence of coalition forces in Gulf states.

Energy markets are also on edge. The Persian Gulf remains a critical artery for global oil shipments, and any sustained disruption could send shockwaves through global supply chains.

For civilians in Israel and across Gulf states, the immediate consequence has been fear and uncertainty, with daily life disrupted by air raid sirens and emergency protocols.

What’s Next?

Military analysts expect continued exchanges in the coming days, particularly if either side escalates further. Iran has promised a “crushing response,” and US leadership has indicated it is prepared for sustained operations.

Diplomatic channels appear severely strained, though regional mediators such as Oman could attempt to revive dialogue if hostilities do not intensify further.

The risk now lies in miscalculation. A direct strike causing significant casualties on either side could dramatically widen the conflict.

Summary

Iran has retaliated against US and Israeli strikes with a coordinated missile barrage targeting American military bases across the Middle East.

Explosions were reported in Bahrain, and multiple Gulf air bases were placed on high alert. Israel simultaneously faced incoming missile fire and mobilized additional reservists.

President Trump defended the operation as necessary to curb Iran’s military ambitions and regional influence, while Iranian officials vowed severe consequences. The situation remains fluid, with the region bracing for further escalation.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Iran launched missiles at multiple US military bases in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes
• Explosions were reported in Bahrain, home of the US Fifth Fleet
• Al Udeid, Ali Al Salem, and Al Dhafra air bases were among the reported targets
• Israel detected ballistic missiles and activated nationwide air defenses
• Thousands of Israeli reservists have been mobilized
• President Trump vowed to dismantle Iran’s military infrastructure
• The confrontation raises fears of a broader regional war and potential disruption to global energy markets