Rising tensions in Gulf as Iran, US exchange strikes and regional alerts issued

Tensions across the Gulf region escalated on Sunday after Iran and the United States traded accusations over attacks in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while several Gulf states reported missile threats and activated emergency measures.

Iranian state television, citing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that a second vessel described as “violating” navigation rules was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. The report did not provide further details about the vessel or the nature of the alleged violation.

The development came after the IRGC Navy announced it had temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz “until further notice,” according to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB. The force said foreign interference and attempts to establish what it called an “illegal route” for shipping through the waterway would be met with a firm response.

The IRGC said several vessels had ignored warnings to correct their course and remain within approved navigation routes. It added that one vessel was stopped after warning shots were fired, accusing it of disabling tracking systems and endangering maritime security.

A US official separately said the IRGC had fired a missile at the Cyprus-flagged commercial cargo ship M/V GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The official said the vessel was hit, suffered damage, and that a civilian crew member was missing.

In response, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had launched a third round of strikes against Iranian targets, saying the operation was carried out after the IRGC attack on the commercial vessel. CENTCOM said the strikes were aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to threaten civilian shipping in the strategic waterway.

Following the US announcement, Iran’s state broadcaster reported a series of explosions across southern Iran, including in the port cities of Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Chabahar, as well as areas in Bushehr province.

The escalation also triggered security alerts in Gulf countries. Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said its armed forces intercepted a missile attack targeting the country, while explosions were heard in the capital Doha as authorities sent emergency alerts to mobile phones, urging residents to remain vigilant.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Interior Ministry said air defense systems were responding to a missile threat and advised residents to remain in safe locations and follow official updates. Bahrain also activated emergency sirens and urged citizens and residents to move to the nearest safe areas.

The latest developments mark a sharp escalation in tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, as both Iran and the US continue to issue warnings of further action.