Fresh Iranian attacks on Persian Gulf states on Saturday; Bahrain and Saudi Arabia issue shelter-in-place warnings

Continuing its response to US strikes and reacting to the hosting of US bases, Iran launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks against Washington's regional allies early on Saturday, July 18. According to reports, Jordan's air defenses intercepted a number of Iranian missiles and Kuwait also reported intercepting missiles. Authorities in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia issued shelter-in-place warnings to residents.

Tehran had earlier warned its Persian Gulf neighbors that they would face a "corresponding response" if the United States continued to use bases in the region. The widening of the conflict to Persian Gulf states has increased concerns about energy security and the region's oil export routes.