Iranian Revolutionary Guards and regional forces launched missile and drone strikes across the Persian Gulf on July 18, 2026, targeting American military installations in Kuwait, a base in Qatar, and multiple commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Kuwaiti air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones from Iran. The US Central Command has not confirmed damage or casualties at American facilities in Kuwait.
An unmanned aerial vehicle attack also struck sites in Oman's Musandam Governorate, prompting strong condemnation from Omani authorities, who vowed to protect their territory.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards warned that countries hosting American forces should expect responses if their territory is used for attacks on Iran, according to the Guards-affiliated Tasnim news agency.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that a container ship sustained rear damage and caught fire nine nautical miles east of Oman.
The crew evacuated via lifeboat and was rescued by local authorities.
State television IRIB broadcast official statements from the Iranian military regarding operations in the critical shipping corridor.
The Guards said a second vessel accused of violating regulations in the Strait of Hormuz had been struck.
Iranian state media also noted that forces executed an attack targeting a US military base in Qatar.
Prior to these strikes, the US military launched a massive wave of precision ordnance against Iranian military infrastructure.
US Central Command stated that forces hit approximately 140 Iranian military targets with precision munitions from land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels.
Targeted infrastructure included missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations.
The Kuwaiti military released a social media statement to reassure residents, saying that any explosion sounds heard were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks.
