Following the Israeli-US strikes, Iran targeted US bases in several Gulf countries. Missile and drone attacks have escalated tensions across the Middle East, impacting oil and security.
US Israel Iran Strike: How many countries has the war spread to so far?
The situation in the Middle East is rapidly deteriorating. Following attacks by Israel and the United States, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against US and its allies' bases in several countries. Missile and drone attacks have escalated tensions from the Gulf region to the Mediterranean. Airbases, oil fields, and major cities have been targeted. The question now is how many countries this conflict has spread to and what its future impact could be.
How did the fighting escalate?
Iran suffered significant losses in the joint Israeli-US operation. Following reports of the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several senior ministers and military commanders, Iran considered it a direct attack and launched a counterattack.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement saying it had targeted the US military presence in the Middle East. Iran claims it carried out missile and drone strikes at 27 locations where US troops are stationed.
Military bases in Tel Aviv and other parts of Israel were also targeted. Thus, the fighting was not limited to Iran and Israel alone, but also spread to several other countries.
In which countries were US bases targeted?
Iran attacked US military bases in eight Gulf countries: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. According to the IRGC, missiles and drones were fired at airbases and military installations in these countries. Attacks were halted in some locations, but there are reports of damage and injuries elsewhere.
Bahrain -
The US Fifth Fleet Headquarters near Manama was targeted. Security has been increased there, and there are reports of missile strikes on the airport and residential areas.
Kuwait -
Attacks occurred near Ali Al-Salem Air Base and Kuwait International Airport. Several people were injured and several flights were cancelled.
Qatar -
Al Udeid Air Base, considered the largest US base in the Middle East, was attacked with missiles and drones. Explosions were heard in Doha, forcing flight delays.
United Arab Emirates -
Al Dhafra Air Base was targeted. There are reports of missile strikes in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including the Palm Jumeirah and Fairmont Hotel areas. The airports were closed for a time.
Jordan -
An attempted missile attack was launched against Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. Most of the missiles were intercepted, but some civilian areas were hit.
Saudi Arabia -
Prince Sultan Air Base and other military bases were targeted. The threat of attacks on oil facilities has increased. Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the Iranian attacks.
Iraq -
The US base and consulate in Erbil were targeted. Several missiles were intercepted, but caused minor damage.
Oman -
A drone attack occurred at Duqm Port. A Palau-flagged oil tanker was also attacked near the Musandam Peninsula.
Which other countries were affected?
Iran also carried out attacks in Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria. A missile struck a building in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda, killing four people and injuring several others. Attacks by groups already active in Lebanon and Yemen are also expected, which will further escalate tensions in the region.
Cyprus and Britain -
A British airbase in Cyprus has also been attacked. This occurred at a time when British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced limited aid to the United States. Britain allowed the use of its airbase to allow US forces to intercept Iranian missiles. Keir Starmer stated on social media that this step was taken to prevent Iran from launching missiles throughout the region and endangering civilian lives. This clearly indicates that the conflict has now spread throughout the Middle East.
What impact could this have on India?
This situation is important for India for several reasons. A large number of Indian citizens work in Gulf countries. If the situation worsens, their safety could become a concern.
The second major impact could be on oil prices. Growing instability in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE could impact global oil supplies, leading to higher petrol and diesel prices in India.
The third impact is on air traffic. Many international flights have been cancelled or diverted, causing inconvenience to passengers.
