Iran activates a 3,000-km front across the Gulf to challenge US defenses - analysis

New Iranian strikes on nearby states extend over 3,000 km, enlarging the combat area and seeking to disperse the fighting as broadly as possible.

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026

(photo credit: REUTERS/STRINGER)

BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

JULY 12, 2026 16:22

Updated: JULY 12, 2026 16:55

Iran launched multiple strikes across the Middle East in recent days as it continues its back-and-forth exchanges with the United States. In this latest series, Tehran targeted Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE, and Jordan.

The resulting line of operations covers about 3,000 km from Amman to the Strait of Hormuz. This expansive zone complicates defensive efforts, since Iran can position missiles and drones from numerous locations within its large territory.

Tehran pursues several objectives at once. One involves creating the impression that decision-making is not fully centralized in the capital, allowing some strikes to be portrayed as actions by rogue factions or hardline IRGC elements.

This approach lets Iran employ a good-cop-bad-cop dynamic: the government signals de-escalation while the IRGC intensifies pressure. The tactic mirrors methods long used in negotiations with Western powers and is now applied during active conflict.

Iran also advances a plan for shared oversight of Hormuz. It suggests that talks could produce an arrangement granting Tehran a management role over the waterway.

Iran seeks transit fees through the Strait, a step the US is expected to reject

Under the proposal, Iran and other states would collect fees from vessels passing through, effectively giving them control. Washington is unlikely to agree, given its longstanding policy favoring unrestricted navigation.

Recent US actions include fresh strikes conducted over several days. CENTCOM reported completing a third round on July 11, targeting Iranian forces after another commercial ship was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.

US forces struck around 140 Iranian military sites using precision weapons from aircraft, drones, and naval units. The targets encompassed missile and drone facilities, naval assets, ammunition depots, communications, and coastal surveillance points. Earlier rounds hit about 80 sites.

CENTCOM noted that three nights of operations struck more than 300 targets to reduce Iran’s capacity to threaten civilian shipping. Transits through the strait have continued.

UAE, Oman, and Qatar face Iranian counterstrikes

On July 12, the UAE stated that overnight attacks on its territory had concluded. Oman denounced Iranian drone strikes.

Arab News reported that Qatar’s military intercepted incoming Iranian projectiles, with explosions also heard in the UAE.

Three individuals, including a child, suffered injuries from falling debris during interceptions, according to Qatar’s Interior Ministry. Alerts were issued in Bahrain, and Kuwait reported successful interceptions.

The UAE Defense Ministry confirmed its systems engaged incoming missiles and drones, noting the threats originated outside its borders.

An Omani security source indicated drones struck locations in Musandam Governorate. The sultanate condemned the incidents and pledged measures to protect national security.

Iran’s 3,000-km front represents an effort to generate widespread regional instability. By opening numerous simultaneous lines of action, Tehran creates a complex challenge for US responses, and it shows readiness to sustain this approach in the period ahead.