Iran has launched retaliatory attacks targeting United States military bases in several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, following earlier strikes on its territory by the US and Israel.

The escalation comes after the Israeli military and the United States carried out coordinated attacks on Iran, further heightening tensions in the region.

According to Al Jazeera, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE have closed their airspace after explosions were reported in parts of the Gulf.

Qatar’s Defence Ministry said an Iranian missile targeting the country was intercepted by the Patriot air defence system.

In Bahrain, explosions were reported as authorities confirmed that the headquarters of the United States Navy Fifth Fleet had been targeted in a missile attack.

Meanwhile, the Reuters news agency reported that a loud explosion was heard in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.

There was no immediate confirmation of casualties or the extent of damage in the affected countries as of press time.