# Gulf security
Latest news and articles about Gulf security
Total: 27 articles found
CENTCOM: Over 200 U.S. Troops Hurt Across Seven Middle East States as Fighting with Iran Escalates
CENTCOM reported more than 200 U.S. service members wounded across seven Middle East countries amid a recent round of U.S. and Israeli military operations targeting Iran, with many injuries characterized as traumatic brain injuries and at least ten seriously wounded. A U.S. official earlier reported 13 American fatalities, underscoring the human and strategic cost of the widening confrontation.
Chinese Military Commentator Warns US Move Toward ‘Hybrid War’ Could Prompt Stronger Iranian Retaliation
A Chinese military commentator, Du Wenlong, warned that if U.S. forces trigger a 'hybrid war' against Iran—mixing conventional strikes, proxies, cyber and economic pressure—Iran would escalate retaliation. The analysis highlights the attribution and escalation risks of blended tactics and notes the potential for broader regional disruption to shipping, energy markets and allied security.
Gulf on Edge: Day 15 of the US–Israel–Iran War Sees Strikes on Kharg, New Iranian Preconditions for Peace
On day 15 of the US–Israel–Iran conflict, Washington struck Kharg Island’s military facilities while Iran demanded full restitution and a U.S. withdrawal from the Persian Gulf as conditions for stopping hostilities. The fighting is broadening — from missile strikes on a Saudi base to attacks on financial and diplomatic targets — and risks prolonged disruption to Gulf shipping and global energy markets.
Explosions Rock Iran’s Kharg Island as U.S. Says It Struck but Spared Oil Infrastructure
Iranian media reported more than 15 explosions on Kharg Island during an enemy airstrike, with oil export facilities reportedly undamaged. U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces struck the island but intentionally spared oil infrastructure, warning he might reverse that decision if Iran or others disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's IRGC Navy Claims Strikes on US Bases in Gulf, Saying Air-Defences and Fuel Sites Hit
Iran’s IRGC Navy commander Ali Reza Tangsiri claimed on March 14 that Iranian forces struck US military targets at three Middle Eastern bases, including Sheikh Isa and Al Udeid, damaging Patriot radar, control towers and fuel depots. The US had not immediately confirmed the claims; if true, the strikes would signal a significant escalation in Iran’s maritime campaign to degrade regional US force posture.
IRGC Claims Missile-and-Drone Strike on U.S. Fifth Fleet Base in Bahrain, Raising Stakes in the Gulf
The IRGC says it carried out a two-wave missile and drone attack on the U.S. Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain, claiming precision hits on anti-drone systems, unmanned surface vessel facilities, logistics and fuel stores. The strike, which has not been independently verified, signals Tehran’s use of asymmetric tools to challenge U.S. naval dominance in the Gulf and raises the risk of broader regional escalation.
American War with Iran Falters at Home: Public Opposes, Democrats Rage and Republicans Fragment
Eleven days into a U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, Tehran’s heavy retaliation and civilian casualties have intensified regional instability and disrupted Gulf commerce. Domestically, widespread public opposition and sharp criticism from Democratic senators — alongside an emerging conservative split — are constraining U.S. political space for the war. Polling places support for the campaign at roughly 25–30 percent, raising questions about its sustainability and political costs ahead of U.S. elections.
China’s Envoy in Abu Dhabi Presses for Gulf De‑Escalation as UAE Backs Beijing’s Mediating Role
China’s Middle East envoy Zhai Jun met UAE leaders in Abu Dhabi to press for de‑escalation of fighting spreading across the Gulf and to secure assurances for the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions. The UAE welcomed China’s impartial role and pledged to protect Chinese interests while expressing readiness to cooperate on diplomatic outreach aimed at an early ceasefire.
From ‘Unwinnable’ to Unaffordable: How a U.S.–Iran Exchange Has Become a Global Quagmire
A sharp exchange between the United States and Iran has evolved into a costly, high-risk stalemate. Rising oil prices, depleted Western munitions stocks and a harder-line Iranian leadership are increasing the probability of protracted conflict or dangerous escalation, while diplomatic overtures offer a face-saving exit that remains hard to negotiate.
Pakistan's Tightrope: Warning Iran to ‘Exercise Restraint’ as Riyadh Pact Raises Stakes
Pakistan has publicly warned Iran to exercise restraint in strikes against Saudi Arabia after signing a mutual defence arrangement with Riyadh, placing Islamabad in a difficult balancing act between treaty obligations and neighbourly ties with Tehran. The move elevates Pakistan’s role in Gulf security but also risks entangling it in escalating regional rivalries influenced by China, Russia and the United States.
Starmer Sends Four Typhoons to Qatar as London Bolsters Gulf Deterrent
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain will send four Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Qatar to bolster regional air defences, supplementing an RAF deployment that arrived in January. The move is intended to reassure Gulf allies, preserve forward basing options and signal British commitment to regional security while avoiding a large-scale escalation.
Stalemate in the Middle East: Fighting Enters a New Phase as the Conflict Spreads Beyond Borders
The U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran entered its seventh day as exchanges continue to expand geographically and technologically, with Iran employing newer ballistic and hypersonic missiles and drones. The conflict has produced significant civilian casualties, pulled Lebanon into the fighting, disrupted Gulf aviation and raised the specter of wider economic and supply-chain shocks if maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz are affected.