Iran Fires Thousands of Missiles at Gulf States as U.S. Bases Turn Deterrent Into Target
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
Iran Fires Thousands of Missiles at Gulf States as U.S. Bases Turn Deterrent Into Target
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 11
Summary
Thousands of Iranian missiles and drones have struck Gulf Arab states in recent months, killing civilians and damaging critical infrastructure in countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Iran has repeatedly framed the attacks as retaliation against states hosting sprawling U.S. bases and thousands of American troops while Washington wages war against Tehran.
That has exposed a central Gulf dilemma: the same U.S. military presence meant to deter Iran is now cited by Iran as the reason those monarchies are being targeted.
Public anger has risen, but officials and commentators in the authoritarian Gulf states have largely avoided directly confronting their dependence on U.S. protection.
As US bases draw Iranian fire, can Gulf states navigate this deadly paradox to find true security?
Is the campaign against Iran creating a more resilient and dangerous enemy instead of defeating it?
With the world's oil artery severed, what does a future global economy look like without the Strait of Hormuz?
The 2026 Middle East Conflict: Strait of Hormuz Closure, Civilian Toll, and Shifting Geopolitics
Overview
In June 2026, the Middle East conflict escalated sharply, with Iran claiming the Strait of Hormuz was mostly closed and threatening to fire on any vessel attempting passage. Iranian media reported attacks on ships, but the U.S. Central Command disputed these claims, insisting the strait remained open. This standoff heightened military tensions and led to a devastating humanitarian toll, especially for women and children. The ongoing dispute over maritime access and conflicting narratives between Iran and the U.S. highlight the volatile situation and the risk of further confrontation, while civilians continue to suffer from the consequences of war.