Iran has launched a coordinated missile and drone attack against US military installations across the Persian Gulf. The strikes targeted key assets in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, including Patriot air defense systems and fuel depots. This marks a significant escalation in a conflict that began with US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian provinces in late February.
The Revolutionary Guard's attacks focused on the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and major air bases in Kuwait and Qatar, which serve as critical regional logistics hubs. The action followed the collapse of a brief three-week ceasefire.
The military escalation immediately rattled financial markets. Previous phases of this conflict saw Bitcoin experience notable price drops, and Iranian crypto exchanges reported capital outflows of over $10 million. The renewed tension is also expected to pressure oil markets.