Iran launches attacks on five Gulf states and closes Strait of Hormuz after US bombing

Tehran has issued a strong diplomatic protest against several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members after the United States carried out its most intensive bombing campaign in the region since a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two powers last month. The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of the spirit of the agreement, which had been intended to de‑escalate tensions and foster cooperation on counter‑terrorism and maritime security. In a statement released on Tuesday, Iran accused the GCC states of facilitating the U.S. operations and warned that any further escalation could jeopardize regional stability.

The U.S. bombing, targeting what officials described as extremist training sites in Iraq and Syria, marked a significant uptick in kinetic activity following the MoU, which had raised expectations of a diplomatic thaw. Iran’s response includes summoning ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for formal reprimands, as well as a call for an emergency meeting of the GCC foreign ministers to address the “unacceptable” interference. Analysts note that the diplomatic clash underscores lingering mistrust between Tehran and its Gulf neighbors, even as both sides navigate the broader geopolitical implications of heightened U.S. military engagement.