U.S.-Iran Conflict Escalates with Strikes on Qatar Base and Oman

The conflict between the United States and Iran has intensified significantly over the last 24 hours, characterized by a widened geographical scope and high-frequency military exchanges. Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces launched ballistic missiles targeting the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and a military installation in Kuwait. While Qatar reported injuries from falling debris, the IRGC claimed the destruction of a command-and-control center. Additionally, Iranian drones struck multiple sites in Oman, marking the first time the Sultanate has been directly drawn into the kinetic phase of the current escalation. In response to ongoing Iranian aggression, U.S. CENTCOM reported that more than 300 targets have been struck within Iran since President Trump initiated the latest military campaign. Recent strikes have focused on air defense systems, naval infrastructure, and missile launchers. Despite Tehran’s previous orders to close the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials declared on Sunday that the strait remains open and traffic is flowing, though commercial shipping has slowed significantly following the confirmed strike on a second merchant vessel in the waterway. On the diplomatic front, tensions remain at a breaking point following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike. His son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, has publicly vowed revenge. Meanwhile, UN Ambassador Michael Waltz confirmed that while military actions continue, high-level technical teams are still engaged in negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear file. However, Iran’s oversight body has moved to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, further complicating international efforts to prevent further nuclear escalation.