Iranian missiles rain down on mediator Qatar; helicopters and aircraft destroyed

New Delhi: The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US appears to be spreading across the entire Gulf region. Qatar, which is playing the role of a mediator in the conflict, was subjected to major missile attacks early Friday morning. Qatar’s Ministry of Defense confirmed that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed several missiles in mid-air that were aimed at the country. The Iranian military claims to have targeted US military and logistical support centers in Kuwait using drone strikes. Additionally, helicopters and aircraft in Bahrain have been destroyed.

According to Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, a child was injured by falling debris from an intercepted missile and is currently undergoing treatment. Loud explosions were heard in the capital, Doha, and security alerts were issued to people’s mobile phones, advising them to move to safe locations. However, Iran has not yet officially claimed responsibility for the attack on Qatar.

According to Iranian state media, Iran targeted US military bases and the Sakhir Air Base in Bahrain. Meanwhile, the Iranian military also claimed to have attacked US forces and a logistical support center in Kuwait via drone strikes. The Kuwaiti military stated that its air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones. A statement noted that the Iranian military used ‘Arash’ drones to target a US military helicopter and a P-8 reconnaissance aircraft at the Sakhir base in Bahrain.

Attack on US Military Logistics Support Center in Kuwait
The Iranian military has claimed to have targeted US military deployment bases and logistics support centers in Kuwait using drones. According to the Iranian state-run agency Fars News, the military stated that it is “fully alert and prepared to firmly confront all forms of pressure and threats, drawing upon its history, public support, experience, and combat readiness.”

US Launches Barrage of Missiles at Iran
Prior to this, the US had also intensified its attacks on Iran. According to Iranian media, US airstrikes targeted several bridges, railway junctions, power lines, and key routes connected to Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan province. The Kahurestan Bridge, located near Bandar Abbas, also sustained heavy damage. Reports from Iranian media indicate that approximately seven people were killed and many others injured in these attacks.

US President Donald Trump has already warned that if Iran does not return to the negotiating table, its power plants, bridges, and other critical infrastructure will be targeted. Consequently, tensions in the Gulf region have reached a boiling point amidst the ongoing cycle of retaliatory attacks. Qatar, which had previously been attempting to mediate between the US and Iran, now appears to be directly caught up in the conflict itself.