Iran expands attacks on Gulf states after US strikes, says Strait of Hormuz closed

Key Points:

• U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone attacks, with Iran targeting U.S. facilities across the Gulf and declaring the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region.
• The strikes extended to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, both previously less affected, raising concerns about the stability of an interim U.S.-Iranian agreement aimed at reopening the strait and halting the war.
• Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority claimed the strait is closed due to unauthorized U.S. military movements, while the U.S. Central Command maintained that traffic is flowing and vowed to protect freedom of navigation.
• Recent U.S. strikes targeted over 300 Iranian military sites to degrade Iran's attack capabilities, prompting Iranian retaliatory attacks on U.S. allies including Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, causing injuries and diplomatic protests.
• Diplomatic efforts continue amid rising hostilities, with talks in Oman involving Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan, but Iran's top negotiator warned that one-sided agreements are over and urged the U.S. to keep its word or face consequences.