Gulf states on high alert after US strikes Iran's nuclear sites
Gulf states, home to multiple U.S. military bases, were on high alert on Sunday with their leaders calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint following U.S. strikes on Iran that raised the possibility of a wider conflict in the region.
President Donald Trump said U.S. forces "obliterated" Iran's main nuclear sites with massive bunker-busting bombs in the early hours of Sunday, joining an Israeli assault in a significant new escalation.
Gulf leaders including the United Arab Emirates president, the Emir of Qatar and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, who had all hosted Trump last month for a tour of the region, discussed the serious implications of the escalation for international and regional security, the UAE state news agency reported.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens
Tips and Tricks
Undo
Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil exporter, was on a high-security alert after the U.S. strikes, two sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Sunday, while Bahrain urged motorists to avoid main roads.
Kuwait, another key oil exporter, said its defence council would remain in permanent session, according to the state news agency on Sunday, and set up shelters in a ministries complex.
Live Events
Tehran has previously warned that if it were attacked by the United States, it could target American assets in the region, including U.S. military bases.
The country's parliament approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of global oil and gas demand flows, according to Iran's Press TV, but a final decision rests with the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
Bahrain is home to the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and there are U.S. bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as in neighbouring Qatar and the UAE.
Nuclear authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE said they had not detected signs of nuclear contamination following the strikes in Iran.
"While the war has so far been contained in direct hostilities between Israel and Iran, direct U.S. involvement is a critical threshold that risks dragging the Gulf states, notably Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, which host large U.S. military facilities, into the conflict," said Hasan Al Hasan, a senior fellow for Middle East Policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
He said the risk of an open conflict between the U.S. and Iran could plunge the region into a devastating and potentially protracted conflict.
The U.S. strikes added to airline woes with Singapore Airlines cancelling flights from Singapore to Dubai on Sunday and British Airways cancelling flights to and from Dubai and Doha.
Airlines have been avoiding flying over large parts of the Middle East, including Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel, due to ongoing missile exchanges.
"In light of recent developments in the regional security situation, we urge citizens and residents to use main roads only when necessary to maintain public safety and to allow the relevant authorities to use the roads efficiently," Bahrain's interior ministry said on X.
Bahrain also told 70% of its government employees to work from home on Sunday until further notice, citing escalating tensions, according to the Civil Service Bureau.
The country's authorities earlier this week said they had activated a national plan to prepare for emergencies, set up an emergency centre and tested warning sirens.
Local media also reported that Bahrain had set up 33 shelters.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
'World War 3 Could Be Just Around The Corner,' Russian Fm Lavrov Says
Pakistan Condemns U.S. Strikes On Iran A Day After Nobel Peace Prize Endorsement For Donald Trump A day after recommending President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for his "decisive diplomatic intervention" during last month's India-Pakistan conflict, Pakistan on Sunday "condemned" the US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. "We are gravely concerned at the possible further escalation of tensions in the region," Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement, hours after the American warplanes and submarines bombed three key nuclear sites in Iran, officially joining Israel's war against the country.#pakistan #trump #nobelpeaceprize #iran #usiran #middleeast #geopolitics #escalation #india #pakistanforeignministry #internationalrelations #nuclearfacilities #warplanes #submarines #israel #diplomacy #peace #conflict #worldnews #currentaffairs #breakingnews #globalpolitics #security #un #crisis #toi #toibharat 43.0K views | 7 hours ago
NDTV
28 minutes ago
- NDTV
Top Democrats Not Briefed Before US Strikes On Iranian Nuclear Sites: Report
US President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday night, notifying top congressional Republicans, but not Democrats, before the attacks, CNN reported. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune were briefed before the strikes, per GOP sources. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were reportedly notified shortly before Trump's public announcement, after the bombs had dropped, as per Politico. Senator Mark Warner and Representative Jim Himes, leaders on the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, respectively - both part of the "Gang of Eight" - were similarly kept in the dark until after the strike. The strikes, which targeted Iran's nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, have sharply divided lawmakers along party lines. Republicans largely supported Trump's decision, praising the action as decisive and necessary. Johnson defended the strikes on X, "Leaders in Congress were aware of the urgency of this situation and the Commander-in-Chief evaluated that the imminent danger outweighed the time it would take for Congress to act. The President fully respects the Article I power of Congress, and tonight's necessary, limited, and targeted strike follows the history and tradition of similar military actions under presidents of both parties". John Thune, Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, and several GOP lawmakers also praised the action. Alexandria-based Representative Rick Crawford confirmed he had been in touch with the White House beforehand. Democrats responded with sharp criticism. Senator Warner condemned the strike as reckless, carried out "without consulting Congress, without a clear strategy, and without explaining to the American people what's at stake." He called on the president to immediately appear before Congress to outline his objectives. Senator Tim Kaine, who had introduced a resolution last week requiring Trump to seek congressional approval before any action against Iran, called on his intent to force a Senate vote. "I will push for all Senators to vote on whether they are for this third idiotic Middle East war," he said. Representative Sean Casten of Illinois went as far as to call the action an " impeachable offense," while Independent Senator Bernie Sanders called it " grossly unconstitutional." House Minority Leader Jeffries warned of retaliation against US troops in the region and accused Trump of misleading the country. "Donald Trump promised to bring peace to the Middle East. He has failed to deliver," Jeffries said. "The risk of war has now dramatically increased." Despite the near-unanimous Democratic opposition, Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the exception. "As I've long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS," Fetterman posted on X. "Iran is the world's leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities." The Israel-Iran conflict, now in its 10th day, intensified over the weekend as the United States entered the battlefield. President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan using B-2 bombers from Guam. He called the mission a "spectacular military success," claiming the facilities were "obliterated." The strikes came just after Israel launched over 150 missiles at Iran's Isfahan site on June 21, its second attack in eight days, reportedly killing scientists and damaging nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran fired a wave of missiles and drones at Israeli targets, including 27 ballistic missiles aimed at Ben Gurion Airport, some of which breached Israel's famed Iron Dome.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
29 minutes ago
- First Post
Iran moves to shut Strait of Hormuz: What it means for India and the world
Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz after US airstrikes on its nuclear sites could trigger a global oil shock, disrupt trade routes and push prices sky-high. With over 60% of its crude coming from the Gulf, India faces serious energy and economic risks. read more Strait of Hormuz, Makran region in southern Iran and southwestern Pakistan, Gulf of Oman and the northern coast of Oman as seen from space. (Photo by NASA Earth Observatory/ AFP) The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil chokepoint is back in global focus after Iran hinted at a possible closure following a major US airstrike on its nuclear facilities. If Iran follows through, the move could trigger a seismic shock across global energy markets and pose significant risks to major oil importers like India. What sparked the threat? Following the US bombing of three major Iranian nuclear sites this morning, Tehran has indicated that closing the Strait of Hormuz for shipping is one of the options on the table to pressure its adversaries. On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced a 'very successful' military operation that targeted three Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—with full payloads of bombs. In response, Iran's parliament indicated support for closing the Strait of Hormuz, although the final decision rests with its Supreme National Security Council. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Esmail Kosari, a senior Iranian lawmaker and Revolutionary Guard commander, said the move to block the strait 'will be done whenever necessary.' Iran's state media has amplified these signals amid growing tensions with Washington, following what Tehran calls an act of 'unprecedented aggression.' Why is the Strait of Hormuz so vital? The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, it's one of the world's most strategic maritime arteries. According to 2023 estimates, over 17 million barrels of oil—around 20% of global daily demand—pass through the strait each day. Key exporters like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and even Iran itself rely on it for crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. While alternate pipelines exist, they can only divert around 2.6 million barrels per day—barely a fraction of the daily flow through Hormuz. How would a closure affect the world? Global oil prices may skyrocket A complete or even partial blockade could send oil prices soaring past $120–150 per barrel, depending on the length of the disruption. Brent crude has already surged above $90 in anticipation, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) not far behind. Energy crises in Asia and Europe: Countries like India, China, Japan, and several European nations, all of which rely heavily on Gulf energy imports, could face inflation, energy shortages, and economic turbulence. Europe, already reeling from the fallout of the Ukraine war, may find itself in deeper crisis if Qatari LNG shipments are blocked. According to a recent analysis by the International Energy Agency, even a brief disruption of passage through the Strait of Hormuz will have a significant impact on oil markets. 'With geopolitical and economic uncertainties affecting oil producers and consumers alike, oil supply security remains high on the international energy policy agenda,' it said. Disruption to global shipping Beyond oil, the Strait is a vital route for container ships and cargo vessels. Its closure would increase freight costs, delay shipments, and reroute vessels through longer, more expensive paths—adding to already strained global supply chains. Stock market turmoil and recession fears: Rising energy costs, shipping delays, and inflationary pressures could trigger panic across global stock markets. Central banks may be forced to intervene, and developing economies with heavy energy import bills could face new debt challenges. Risk of wider war The US, UK and France maintain strong naval presences in the Gulf. A closure would likely trigger military escort missions or even direct intervention to reopen the waterway—further inflaming regional tensions. Why is India especially vulnerable? Any blocking or disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea – will have significant global and regional impact including for India's energy security, strategic affairs experts said on Sunday. Nearly 30 per cent of global oil and a third of the world's LNG (liquefied natural gas) passes through the Strait daily and its closure would immediately reduce global supplies triggering a spike in prices, they said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, which imports over 60% of its crude oil from the Gulf, is particularly exposed. A disruption at Hormuz could: *Spike fuel prices domestically, impacting inflation and household spending. *Increase shipping and insurance costs for rerouted crude and LNG. *Delay imports from major suppliers like Qatar, Iraq, and the UAE. *Disrupt bilateral trade with Middle East partners, especially in sectors like chemicals, fertilisers, and heavy industry. *India's strategic oil reserves could cushion the blow temporarily, but prolonged disruption would pressure the economy and force urgent diplomatic manoeuvring. The shutting down of the narrow passage would have significant global repercussions across energy markets and it will impact India's energy security as well, Dr Laxman Kumar Behera, Associate Professor at Special Centre for National Security Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University told PTI. Behera said any disruption in the critical shipping lane, which is a geopolitical flashpoint, will majorly impact India's crude oil import from Iraq and to an extent from Saudi Arabia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Could Iran withstand the fallout? While Tehran may use the Hormuz threat as strategic leverage, analysts warn that closing the strait could backfire on Iran itself. Much of Iran's own oil exports—official or under-the-radar—transit through Hormuz. Cutting off this revenue stream, especially amid sanctions, would damage its already fragile economy. Moreover, a blockade would likely provoke military retaliation from the U.S. and its allies. Even countries like China, which continue to buy Iranian oil, may oppose such a move, leaving Iran further isolated. What's next? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to pressure Tehran against escalation, warning that closing the strait would be 'economic suicide' for Iran. He added that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to respond if the closure goes ahead. With military tensions flaring and energy markets on edge, the coming days could determine whether this crisis remains a geopolitical standoff—or spirals into a global oil shock with far-reaching consequences for India and the world.
