Iran Strikes U.S. Bases Across Gulf After Killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei

By Harshit, TEHRAN — MARCH 2, 2026

Iran launched missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region on Monday, targeting U.S. military assets and allied infrastructure, a day after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed killed in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes.

The escalation marks one of the most dangerous direct confrontations between Iran, the United States, and Israel in decades, raising fears of a wider regional war.

Explosions were reported across multiple Gulf capitals, including Abu Dhabi and Doha, as air defense systems scrambled to intercept incoming threats.

U.S.-Israel Strikes Kill Iranian Leadership

The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran Saturday while negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program were still underway.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the joint operation killed 48 Iranian leaders, including Khamenei, the country’s most powerful political and religious figure.

Iranian state-linked media reported heavy casualties from airstrikes in Tehran, including more than 20 people killed in an attack on Niloofar Square.

Additional attacks were reported in Sanandaj, where at least two people died.

The killing of Khamenei represents a seismic shift in Iran’s leadership and dramatically raises the stakes of the conflict.

Iran Retaliates With Regional Missile and Drone Attacks

Iran responded quickly, launching missiles and drones targeting U.S. bases and allied infrastructure across the Gulf.

Missile interceptions and explosions were reported in:

• Qatar’s capital, Doha
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Bahrain’s capital, Manama
• Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

Qatar confirmed missiles struck two energy facilities, though no casualties were reported.

Kuwait said its air defenses intercepted hostile targets, while debris injured workers at a refinery.

In Bahrain, debris from intercepted missiles caused fires in industrial areas near maritime facilities.

An oil tanker off Oman’s coast was also attacked by an explosive-laden boat, killing at least one crew member.

U.S. Confirms Military Casualties

The U.S. military confirmed three American service members were killed during operations related to the conflict.

Trump vowed retaliation, warning military action would continue until U.S. objectives were achieved.

“Operations will continue,” Trump said, promising to avenge the American casualties.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to provide further details in a press briefing.

Israel and Regional Conflict Intensify

Iran also launched missiles toward Israel, triggering air defense responses.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes hit targets in Lebanon, including areas near Beirut, killing dozens and injuring many more.

Hezbollah, Iran’s powerful regional ally, reportedly launched attacks on northern Israel.

Missile debris also caused injuries in Syria, while Jordan activated air raid sirens and closed its airspace.

Gulf States on High Alert

Several Gulf countries have activated air defenses and emergency protocols.

Qatar closed its airspace, suspending flights indefinitely.

Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE urged residents to seek shelter during attacks.

Military forces across the region remain on maximum alert.

Global Fears of Wider War Grow

The conflict has already spread across multiple countries, involving:

• Iran
• Israel
• United States
• Gulf nations
• Lebanon
• Syria

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and the direct exchange of attacks mark a historic escalation.

Analysts warn the situation could evolve into a full-scale regional war if hostilities continue.