The warning is fulfilled
Tehran had said it: any attack would make Israel and US bases in the region targets. This Saturday, he kept his word.
Iran has launched bombings against facilities linked to Washington in at least four countries: Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Attacks are also reported in Iraqi Kurdistan.
According to the Iranian news agency Farsi, the response includes the Al Ubeid base in Qatar, Al Salem in Kuwait, Al Dhafra in the UAE and the fifth fleet facilities in Bahrain.
The images show columns of smoke. On television, Al Jazeera presenters were surprised by the sound of alarms during the live broadcast.
Immediate reaction and closed airspace
The response was not long in coming. Several Gulf governments announced the successful interception of missiles. Others, like Jordan, confirmed having shot down projectiles.
But the most significant movement was another: the closure of airspace. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the targets themselves ordered the suspension of flights.
Airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines canceled operations. Qatar Airways paralyzed all its traffic.
Bahrain authorities described the attacks as “treacherous.” Saudi Arabia “strongly” condemned the action and warned of “harsh consequences.”
This is not new. Last June, Iran already attacked the Al Ubeid base without major consequences. The difference now is the scale and coordinated response.
The drums of war that have been sounding for months have found their rhythm. Tehran warned that it would attack US resources in any country in the Middle East. Today he did it.
The question that remains hanging, like the smoke above Jufair, is what comes next.
