On July 12, 2026, Iran conducted missile and drone strikes across the Gulf, targeting several nations including Oman, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. This escalation follows Iran's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is closed. The strikes were reportedly a response to recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian targets, which occurred after an attack on a Cyprus-flagged merchant vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
The UAE has faced the most attacks during this conflict, although strikes had ceased in May, allegedly due to a secret agreement between Iran and the UAE. The recent attacks on Oman were unexpected, given its historically friendly relations with Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had visited Oman shortly before the strikes to discuss the Strait's management.
Qatar experienced significant attacks, with its Foreign Ministry condemning Iran and holding it responsible for the aggressions. Kuwait and Bahrain were also targeted, with reports of material damage and injuries. The UAE's defense ministry reported intercepting munitions before they reached its borders.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned Iran's actions, labeling them as violations of sovereignty and breaches of international law. Following the strikes, Iranian media reported U.S. military actions along Iran's coast, which U.S. Central Command denied, refuting claims of U.S. casualties.