Iran missile campaign across Gulf enters second week of escalating conflict

Wednesday 11 - 14:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Iran missile campaign across Gulf enters second week of escalating conflict

Twelve days after the outbreak of a widening conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the Gulf region continues to face sustained waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks that have struck every member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, caused civilian casualties and killed U.S. personnel, while triggering one of the most severe disruptions to global oil supply in decades.

The confrontation began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes inside Iran. Tehran responded with repeated missile and drone barrages targeting U.S. military installations and energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

By March 10, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense said it had detected 262 ballistic missiles and 1,475 drones since the start of the conflict. Air defense systems intercepted 241 missiles and 1,385 drones, but several strikes broke through, leaving six people dead and 122 injured.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting projectiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, Riyadh airport and the Shaybah oil field. On March 3, an Iranian drone struck the U.S. embassy compound in Riyadh, causing limited damage. In Bahrain, defense forces intercepted 65 of 75 missiles and 88 of 124 drones detected by March 4. A strike on the city of Sitra injured dozens of civilians.

Iranian attacks have also reached countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Tehran. Qatar, Oman and Kuwait all reported strikes on their territory. Iran targeted Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the region, and struck the commercial port of Duqm in Oman. The Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint condemnation following the attacks.

Six U.S. service members were killed during Iran’s initial retaliatory strikes. The Pentagon said the casualties occurred when a projectile penetrated air defenses and hit a tactical operations center in Kuwait.

The conflict has also sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Fighting in the region has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime passage through which about 20 percent of the world’s seaborne oil supply normally flows.

On March 2, a senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the strait closed and warned that Iranian forces would target any vessel attempting to pass through. Shipping giant Maersk suspended operations both in the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal.

Oil markets reacted sharply. Brent crude rose from around $70 per barrel in late February to nearly $120 before easing slightly, marking an increase of more than 30 percent in less than two weeks. Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have begun cutting production as onshore storage facilities approach capacity.

Diplomatic efforts have struggled to keep pace with the escalation. Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian issued a public apology to neighboring Gulf states for the attacks, but missile launches have continued.

On March 10, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would strike Iran “20 times harder” if Tehran attempted to permanently close the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon also said U.S. forces were preparing their most intense day of strikes so far inside Iran.

According to the U.S. military, more than 5,000 Iranian targets and over 50 naval vessels have been destroyed since operations began. With no ceasefire in sight, Gulf foreign ministers have hardened their stance. Saudi Arabia warned that Iran would face severe diplomatic, economic and strategic consequences if the attacks continue.