DUBAI, July 18 (DGR News) — Iran launched fresh missile and drone attacks against several Gulf states and Jordan on Saturday, marking another escalation in regional tensions after the United States carried out a seventh consecutive night of strikes on Iranian military targets.
The latest exchange follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Kuwait Reports Damage to Infrastructure
Kuwait was among the countries affected, with authorities reporting attacks that disrupted operations at Kuwait International Airport and damaged a desalination facility. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation also confirmed that one of its oil facilities sustained damage during the strikes, with several workers reportedly injured.
Kuwait’s armed forces said they intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones, while emergency crews responded to damage at energy and infrastructure sites.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for strikes targeting what it described as U.S. military facilities, including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base.
Iran Says Attacks Were Retaliation
Iran said the latest operations were a response to recent U.S. strikes that targeted bridges, power facilities and other infrastructure inside the country.
In a statement, the IRGC warned that U.S. allies hosting American military assets could face additional attacks, describing its actions as retaliation against continued military operations.
Iranian state media also reported attacks targeting facilities linked to U.S. forces in Bahrain and Jordan. Claims that U.S. military aircraft were destroyed during the attacks have not been independently verified.
Reports of Strikes in Saudi Arabia
Sources familiar with the situation said Iran also launched attacks toward Saudi Arabia, including areas around Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj and Yanbu on the Red Sea coast.
Saudi authorities activated early warning systems, but officials did not immediately confirm the nature or impact of the reported attacks. Iran did not publicly acknowledge operations targeting Saudi Arabia.
Oil Markets React to Escalation
Global oil prices continued to rise amid concerns that the expanding conflict could threaten energy supplies from the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, remains a major point of concern after both Washington and Tehran announced measures affecting maritime traffic.
Civilian Infrastructure Hit
Iranian media reported that strikes damaged power facilities, bridges and water infrastructure in several southern provinces, including Hormozgan.
Local officials said thousands of residents in multiple villages temporarily lost access to water supplies after desalination facilities were damaged. Emergency water deliveries were later launched to affected communities.
State media also reported casualties and damage to transportation infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels and railway facilities.
International Concern Grows
The United Nations expressed concern over the continued escalation, particularly attacks affecting civilian infrastructure across Iran and neighbouring countries.
The U.S. military said its latest operations targeted Iranian surveillance systems, logistics hubs, underground weapons storage sites and maritime capabilities.
Military analysts warn that continued strikes could trigger wider regional instability, including additional attacks on Gulf infrastructure and shipping routes critical to global energy markets.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Iran Expands Strikes Across Gulf as U.S. Military Campaign Enters Seventh Day
