The Middle East conflict has rapidly expanded beyond a bilateral Israel-Iran confrontation into a wider regional military exchange involving direct U.S. participation and retaliatory Iranian strikes across multiple Gulf nations.
Here is a clear breakdown of which countries have been attacked and by whom, based on confirmed strikes, interceptions and military targeting in the current phase of escalation.
Countries attacked by the United States and Israel
1. Iran
Attacked by: United States and Israel
Iran is the primary target of the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign launched on February 28. Reported targets include:
- Nuclear facilities
- Ballistic missile infrastructure
- Government and intelligence compounds
- Military bases
- Senior leadership sites in Tehran
Multiple cities, including Tehran and Minab, have reported explosions and significant casualties. Iranian officials have described the strikes as an act of war.
Countries attacked or targeted by Iran in retaliation
Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel directly and U.S. military installations hosted by allied Gulf nations.
2. Israel
Attacked by: Iran
Iran fired multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones at:
- Tel Aviv
- Military bases including Tel Nof
- Defense headquarters in HaKirya
- Other strategic installations
Air defence systems intercepted many projectiles, though some impacts have been reported.
3. Bahrain
Attacked by: Iran
- U.S. Fifth Fleet base targeted
- Missile interceptions reported
- Civilian casualty reported from debris
Bahrain has condemned the attacks and heightened security measures.
4. Iraq
Attacked by: Iran
- Multiple U.S. bases targeted, including in Erbil
- Heightened militia threats and military alert
Iraq remains a key theatre due to U.S. troop presence.
5. Jordan
Attacked by: Iran
- Missiles targeted U.S.-linked assets
- Interceptions reported over Amman
- Airspace temporarily closed
6. Kuwait
Attacked by: Iran
- Ali Al Salem Air Base reportedly targeted
- Missile interceptions reported
- Injuries confirmed
7. Qatar
Attacked by: Iran
- Al Udeid Air Base targeted
- Missiles intercepted over Doha
- Airspace closure announced
8. Saudi Arabia
Attacked by: Iran
- Missiles aimed toward U.S.-linked assets
- Interceptions reported near Riyadh and eastern regions
- Air defence systems activated
9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Attacked by: Iran
- Al Dhafra Air Base targeted
- Missile interceptions near Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- Civilian injury and property damage reported
- Temporary suspension of flights
Countries not directly attacked (but affected)
- Oman (called for ceasefire)
- Turkey (offered mediation)
- Pakistan (monitoring situation)
- Afghanistan (security alert)
- Syria and Lebanon (mentioned in intelligence context but no confirmed direct strikes in this phase)
Yemen’s Houthi movement has resumed Red Sea actions in support of Iran, though Yemen itself has not been directly struck in this latest wave.
The bigger picture
The current escalation involves:
- Direct U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory
- Iranian retaliatory missile campaigns across Israel and Gulf-based U.S. military installations
- Widespread airspace closures
- Interceptions across multiple capitals
- Rising civilian and military casualties
The United Nations has convened emergency sessions amid growing concerns of a wider regional war.
The situation remains fluid, with further retaliatory action possible as military operations continue across multiple fronts.