The U.S. attacked Iran's electrical infrastructure, Iran gave back to the Gulf states

U.S. forces launched a major aerial and naval strike against Iranian electrical infrastructure on July 17, 2026, targeting key facilities in southern Iran, particularly around the strategic coastal city of Bandar Abbas. The attack came in response to Iranian strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week. According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American military assets, including fighter jets, drones, and warships, conducted their sixth consecutive night of attacks on Iran, hitting dozens of military targets such as coastal surveillance points, air defense systems, logistics infrastructure, and maritime capabilities. The strikes were described as highly precise, with specific emphasis placed on disrupting Iran’s ability to monitor and control its coastline. The primary targets of the U.S. assault were located in the southern province of Hormozgan, especially near Bandar Abbas, which hosts a critical base for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iranian media reported extensive damage to vital infrastructure, including a railway junction and several bridges. Among these was the Kahurestan Bridge, which connects Bandar Abbas with Shiraz. At least seven people were killed in the attacks, and nine others were injured. The assaults also caused a severe collapse in the energy grid, leaving Bandar Abbas and surrounding areas without electricity. With temperatures in the region already exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, the Iranian Ministry of Energy urged citizens nationwide to temporarily turn off air conditioning units to help stabilize the power network in the affected southern regions. This follows repeated public threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had warned multiple times that the United States would target Iranian infrastructure if Tehran did not return to the negotiating table. In response to the U.S. offensive, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Gulf states, triggering panic across the region. Shortly after the American attacks, explosions were heard in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The country's defense ministry confirmed it successfully intercepted several air attacks. A child was injured due to falling debris from one of the intercepted missiles. Although Qatar has maintained relatively friendly relations with Iran and has acted as a key mediator in this conflict, it found itself once again under fire, despite Iran not officially taking responsibility for the attacks. At the same time, warning sirens blared in neighboring Bahrain, where the Ministry of Interior urged residents to seek shelter immediately. Iranian state media soon confirmed that drones targeted U.S. military installations within the country. In Kuwait, authorities activated air defenses to counter the missile and drone threats, issuing warnings to civilians about the noise from explosions and urging them to strictly follow safety guidelines. Iran’s retaliation extended beyond the immediate region, signaling a broader escalation in hostilities. The attacks on Gulf states underscored the growing volatility in the Middle East, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The situation remains tense, with further confrontations likely unless diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the crisis.