US launches strikes as Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed
Tensions have escalated in the Gulf as the US and Iran exchange missile and drone strikes, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Regional powers like Qatar have condemned the violence, while the US continues military operations to protect commercial shipping.
Why it matters
The conflict threatens global energy supplies and risks a wider regional war involving multiple Middle Eastern nations.
Qatar has condemned Iranian attacks against its territory and its neighbours, after the Islamic republic launched salvos against Arab countries.
"Qatar condemns in the strongest possible terms the renewed attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran," the foreign ministry said in a statement, also referring to the targeting of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait and calling the barrages a "dangerous escalation".
It comes after the US and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults with Tehran targeting US facilities in states across the Gulf and saying it had again closed the vital Strait of Hormuz.
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