Middle East crisis Day 3: Iran strikes continue, US and allies on high alert; here is what happened so far today
Middle East crisis Day 3: Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran continued its attacks on US and allied assets across the Gulf region following confirmed strikes by the United States and Israel. The conflict, which erupted over ongoing disputes concerning Iran’s nuclear programme, has left multiple casualties and prompted heightened security alerts across the region.
Iran retaliates after US-Israeli strikes
On Saturday, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes targeting Iranian positions, as diplomatic negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme were underway. Iran responded immediately, deploying missiles and drones targeting locations in Israel, as well as US military facilities in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.
Iranian semiofficial media reported over 20 fatalities in an attack on Niloofar Square in Tehran. Additionally, the Fars news agency confirmed at least two deaths in Sanandaj due to an “enemy attack.” In a Fox News interview, US President Donald Trump claimed the joint operation had killed 48 senior Iranian figures.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Canberra does not intend to participate in the US-Israeli military campaign.
Rising tensions across Gulf nations
Monday morning saw explosions in Abu Dhabi and Doha as Iran intensified missile and drone attacks. Qatar initially relied on the Patriot missile defense system but has now deployed fighter jets to intercept threats over Gulf waters. Iranian strikes reportedly hit two Qatari energy facilities, although no casualties were reported.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre confirmed that an oil tanker, MKD VYOM, was struck by an explosive-laden boat near Muscat, resulting in a fire and at least one crew member’s death. In Kuwait, air defenses intercepted multiple aerial threats, while falling debris at the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery caused minor injuries to two workers. Videos from Al Jazeera showed thick smoke rising in al-Jahra after a jet reportedly crashed.
Bahrain reported that debris from intercepted missiles caused a fire on a foreign ship at the Mina Salman port. Authorities have activated air raid alerts and advised residents to seek shelter. Qatar Airways suspended flights due to the closure of airspace.
Developments in Israel and the US
Israel confirmed further Iranian missile attacks, with air defense systems actively intercepting incoming threats. In the US, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled for a press briefing, marking the first major US official update since Saturday’s strikes. The US military reported three service members killed during operations in Iran. President Trump, in a video on Truth Social, vowed retaliation and warned that military operations would continue until “all objectives are achieved.”
Spillover in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon & Jordan
Israeli air raids targeted southern Beirut and southern Lebanon, resulting in 31 deaths and over 149 injuries. Attacks followed Hezbollah strikes on northern Israel. In Syria, debris from an Iranian missile injured a man and his three daughters in Ain Terma, near Damascus. Jordan reported dense smoke and unconfirmed reports of a US F-15 crash, prompting the closure of airspace from 6 pm to 9 am daily until further notice.
UK involvement and Cyprus updates
Following a US request, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised the use of UK bases in Cyprus for defensive strikes aimed at preventing Iranian retaliatory attacks. The bases, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, are sovereign UK territories within Cyprus. Early Monday, a Shahed drone struck the RAF base at Akrotiri, causing limited damage according to UK and Cypriot authorities.
- With inputs from agencies
