MUSCAT — Iran said it launched missile and drone attacks against Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar on Sunday, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions after the United States carried out a third round of military strikes against Iranian targets earlier this week.

The attacks triggered air-defence responses across several Gulf countries, with authorities in the United Arab Emirates reporting the interception of missiles and drones entering its airspace. Emergency alerts were issued in multiple countries as governments urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.

Iranian state media said the attacks targeted facilities linked to U.S. military operations and allied infrastructure in the region. Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar host major American military installations, while Jordan remains a key security partner of Washington.

Officials in the targeted countries acknowledged heightened security activity but did not immediately provide details on the extent of damage or casualties. Independent verification of Iran’s claims was not immediately available.

The latest exchange follows a series of U.S. military operations against Iran after Washington accused Tehran of threatening international shipping and attacking a Cyprus-flagged container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.