Tensions in the Gulf: What Happened near the Strait of Hormuz

The latest escalation around the Strait of Hormuz saw Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps launch coordinated drone and ballistic missile strikes on June 28, 2026, that targeted U.S. facilities in Bahrain and the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait, while U.S. Central Command responded with airstrikes on multiple Iranian military sites. CENTCOM said the U.S. strikes were aimed at degrading surveillance, communications and drone storage that had been used to threaten commercial shipping; the exchanges followed an earlier incident in which an Iranian one-way attack drone struck the M/T Kiku as it transited the strait.

Air defences in Kuwait and Bahrain intercepted many incoming missiles and drones, and officials reported no major casualties, although some buildings were damaged in coastal districts. Commercial movement has been disrupted and international agencies paused or rerouted some vessels, so naval escorts and air patrols have been increased to protect crews and cargo. Iran also warned it could halt negotiations if strikes continue, which has complicated plans to reduce the violence.

While several countries urged calm, military operations continued and commanders said they would keep escorting merchant traffic to prevent further harm; consequently, the security posture in the Gulf remains tense. Diplomats arranged meetings in Doha this week to seek an immediate pause in attacks, and military officials said they would maintain readiness as talks proceed.

Recent strikes have frequently focused on radar, communications and drone storage sites rather than major urban centres, which has limited large-scale civilian harm but not removed risks to ports and crews. Naval authorities have urged shipowners to follow guidance about routes and escorts while military escorts remain in place.