All articles tagged with #gulf security
The United States conducted a second consecutive night of air strikes on Iran, while Iran said it targeted U.S. bases in Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain with drones, highlighting a renewed escalation around the Strait of Hormuz as shipping routes face disruption and oil markets react, with leaders cautioning against all-out war even as exchanges of fire continue.
Iran steps up attacks on commercial shipping to preserve leverage in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. and Oman push a southern corridor along Oman to move traffic away from Tehran. Gulf states are expanding pipelines and routes that bypass Hormuz, with about half of inbound traffic now using the southern path. Negotiations in Doha aim to set the strait's future administration and toll terms; Washington says there will be no tolls, while Tehran touts revisions as victories. If bypass routes continue to grow, Iran’s grip on Hormuz could weaken even as the strait remains a critical energy chokepoint.
Iran’s missile and drone strikes hit NSA Bahrain, the US Navy base in Bahrain, damaging the command headquarters and several other facilities; US officials say no personnel were killed and most sailors were evacuated, but a Wall Street Journal investigation based on satellite imagery suggests the damage was greater than publicly acknowledged. The strikes have prompted the Pentagon to rethink America’s Gulf footprint, including possible base redesigns, relocations, or dispersed command nodes, with Israel mentioned as a potential hosting site. Total war costs remain unclear, CSIS estimates about $40 billion overall and base damages at roughly $2.2–$5.1 billion, while rebuilding NSA Bahrain could cost around $400 million.
A Vox Today, Explained discussion argues that the US–Iran peace deal follows a war that left Iran’s younger, more technocratic leadership in charge, expanding its regional power and undermining US influence; Gulf Arab states are adjusting to coexisting with Iran instead of relying on American bases, signaling a transformed Middle East.
Iran says it will introduce a maritime-fees system in the Strait of Hormuz within two months after a 60-day negotiation sparked by a memorandum of understanding with the United States, claiming a historic victory and control of the strait while ruling out European escorts. The report also covers ongoing talks to implement the MoU, potential sanctions relief on Iran’s oil exports, and mixed reactions from Gulf states amid broader regional tensions.
Roberts argues the Gulf states must stop waiting for Washington and build their own security through a regional treaty with Iran anchored by a phased U.S. military withdrawal, mutual concessions on nuclear/missile programs and sanctions relief, and a transition to stronger Gulf-led defense and interoperability to turn the Gulf into a more integrated, deterrence-based security order.
The Wall Street Journal reports the UAE secretly carried out a major attack on Iran during the ongoing conflict, including a strike on Lazan Island prior to a ceasefire, while Kuwait says four IRGC members were captured attempting to infiltrate Bubiyan Island—signs that the region could slide into a broader war if the ceasefire collapses and Iran retaliates, amid shifting Gulf alliances and ongoing US involvement.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said 41 people were arrested over alleged links to a group tied to Iran’s IRGC, with legal proceedings under way. While charges weren’t detailed, officials tied the case to espionage and support for Iranian attacks during the US-Israel war on Iran. The crackdown mirrors similar actions in the UAE and follows Bahrain’s broader steps against perceived pro-Iran sentiment.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi warned of deliberate attempts to redraw the Middle East’s map, urged respect for state sovereignty and said any Iran deal must address Gulf security concerns, while calling for full Gaza ceasefire implementation, unhindered humanitarian aid and reconstruction through political solutions.
Britain unveiled new deployments of air-defence teams and missiles to the Middle East, taking UK personnel in the Gulf and Cyprus to about 1,000. The plan includes Sky Sabre missiles to Saudi Arabia, extended Typhoon jet coverage in Qatar, and additional LMM launchers to Bahrain plus Rapid Sentry missiles to Kuwait, all framed as defensive measures against Iranian attacks. Prime Minister Starmer stressed the UK would defend allies without committing ground forces, as Healey urged Gulf partners to continue coordinated defense and diplomacy.
As Iran continues its campaign against Gulf states, Saudi Arabia says missiles and drones were intercepted while Kuwait reports port damage; Tehran also claims the Strait of Hormuz is closed and says ships were turned back, signaling a broader traffic disruption. Iran is moving to formalize transit fees for vessels, drawing international concern. Concurrently, President Trump says talks with Iran are going very well and has extended a pause on strikes against energy sites to April 6, with European officials signaling possible direct talks amid market jitters from the war uncertainty.
Zelensky travels to Saudi Arabia after offering Ukraine’s drone expertise to bolster Gulf security, while Kyiv seeks defense cooperation and access to air‑defense missiles; Ukrainian drone firms report Gulf interest and potential deals, amid reports that the U.S. may divert weapons from Ukraine to the Middle East.
Amid escalating US-Israel–Iran hostilities, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz will stay open to shipping except vessels tied to its enemies and signaled it would cooperate with the IMO on maritime safety, even as President Trump threatened to obliterate Iran’s power plants if Hormuz isn’t fully reopened within 48 hours. The confrontation has spurred regional attacks and disruptions, weighing on Gulf economies and tourism, and prompting further strategic recalibration by Israel and Gulf states.
An Iran-led wave of attacks targets Gulf energy infrastructure, with Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery hit for a second day, Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG terminal damaged, and Tehran claiming strikes on U.S. forces at the UAE’s al-Dhafra base and targets inside Israel as Israel also strikes Tehran on Nowruz, raising alarms over energy supplies and prices as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and regional security worsens.
The U.S. is quietly repositioning refueling KC-135 aircraft and adjusting personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in a precautionary posture amid tensions with Iran. Officials say it is a readiness measure, not an evacuation, with the base still hosting about 10,000 U.S. troops. The movements echo previous patterns seen before military action, and regional advisories and heightened defense watch remain in effect as the security situation in the Gulf stays volatile.