Military escalation widens across Gulf as Iran targets US assets and shipping

The conflict in the Gulf region intensified on Tuesday as Iran launched attacks on US military facilities and commercial shipping, prompting diplomatic protests, security measures and growing concerns over the stability of the Strait of Hormuz.

Attacks on shipping and military targets

The United Arab Emirates said two Emirati oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest oil shipping routes. The attack killed one Indian seafarer and wounded eight other crew members, according to the UAE, reports Reuters.

India summoned Iran's deputy ambassador to protest the death of the Indian crew member.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) said it had destroyed several US military assets in Bahrain, including the air control radar for the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, a Patriot radar and an early warning C-RAM system. It also said it struck fuel storage tanks and a control centre for unmanned boats.

Authorities in Bahrain reported that sirens sounded at least three times on Tuesday morning as the security situation developed.

Iran also launched ballistic missiles toward an air base in Jordan hosting US forces. Jordanian officials said their air defences intercepted and destroyed four missiles that entered Jordanian airspace from Iran.

The attacks marked a further expansion of the regional conflict, with Iran targeting US military infrastructure in multiple Gulf countries while also disrupting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Diplomatic and security response

The deteriorating security environment prompted the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the US Consulate General in Dubai to cancel all consular appointments through Wednesday.

US President Donald Trump said the United States intends to collect a 20% fee from allied Gulf nations for protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. He also said a peace agreement with Iran remains "possible" despite the continuing hostilities.

Humanitarian efforts and public opinion

Amid the conflict, Iranian authorities said they rescued 23 foreign crew members from a bulk carrier that began taking on water following a collision north of Qeshm Island.

The military escalation comes as public opinion in the United States reflects uncertainty over the conflict. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 79% of Americans expect the conflict to continue for an extended period, while 37% approve of the US military strikes against Iran that resumed in late June.