Gulf clashes intensify as tensions rise

Fighting between Iran and the United States sharply escalated over the weekend, prompting the Gulf and Arab countries to engage in interception and issue warnings, as Tehran and Washington wrestled for control over the Strait of Hormuz and accused each other of violating the truce.

The latest collateral damage left three people injured in Qatar, including one child, as a result of falling debris from interception operations, the country's Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

Missile warning sirens were sounded across Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates said its air defense systems were actively engaging with missiles and drone threats, and Kuwait's military said explosion sounds heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the Strait of Hormuz was closed until further notice and until US interventions cease. The IRGC had previously warned that foreign interference and the establishment of an illegal shipping route would draw a firm response.

The latest developments come after the US Central Command announced on Sunday that it had completed last week's third round of strikes against Iran, holding Tehran's forces accountable for attacking another commercial ship in the strait.

US President Donald Trump threatened on Friday to "decimate and destroy" Iran if it made an attempt on his life. Iranian media reported on Saturday that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to avenge the death of his father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, saying it was the will of the nation.

3 nights of attacks

In a statement, the US Central Command said US forces hit about 140 Iranian military targets, including missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks and coastal surveillance locations.

"During three nights of strikes this week, CENTCOM has struck more than 300 targets at the direction of the commander in chief to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait," CENTCOM said. "Commercial vessel transits through the vital international maritime corridor continue."

In retaliation, the IRGC said they struck US aircraft carrier logistical support centers and refueling platforms at the Omani port of Duqm in a heavy and surprise attack on Sunday.

The IRGC also said they struck the US Prince Hassan airbase in Jordan with ballistic missiles the same day, destroying its command and control center and MQ-9 Reaper drone hangars in retaliation for US strikes on Iran's southern coast, Iran's Mehr News Agency reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that Iran "has so far kept its word", unlike the United States.

"That violation follows other violations and missteps by the United States. Reality check: There can only be mutual compliance," he said on X. Earlier in the day, Araghchi met with Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi in Muscat.

Oman's Foreign Ministry said bilateral talks were held on Saturday regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring its safety and freedom, "in light of the developments and repercussions stemming from recent events".

"The two sides agreed to continue these talks at the technical and political levels to reach the necessary agreements in accordance with international law," the ministry said.

On Sunday, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also held a phone conversation with Araghchi, according to a statement from Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

Dar stressed the need for the parties to follow the path of de-escalation and show restraint, as agreed in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding reached last month, the statement said.

"He further underscored that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace and stability in the region," it said.

Dar also reiterated Pakistan's readiness to continue playing a constructive role in promoting and maintaining regional peace and stability, and said the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact, it added.

Contact the writers at jan@chinadailyapac.com