Threats repeatedly voiced by Tehran on diplomatic platforms in response to possible Israeli and US strikes have moved beyond rhetoric, as missile attacks were carried out against American military bases in the Middle East.

Explosions were reported in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, where the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet is located. At the same time, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates — a key hub for US Air Force operations in the region — came under attack. These strikes were described as retaliation for the «preemptive» strike on Tehran conducted by Israel with US involvement.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates urgently closed their airspace. Iran and Israel had previously taken similar measures, effectively disrupting civilian air traffic across much of the region.

Residents in Bahrain reported multiple explosions in the Al Juffair district, home to a major US naval facility. In Qatar, air defense systems intercepted an Iranian missile targeting Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the region.

US bases in Kuwait were also reportedly attacked.

Tehran’s warnings have now been translated into action. The key question is how Washington will respond and whether the United States is prepared for further escalation after its own bases across the Persian Gulf were targeted.