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GCC Chief: Iran Fires Over 7,000 Missiles and Drones at Gulf Nations
· Confirmed
In Short: The Gulf Cooperation Council's secretary-general told the UN Security Council that Iran has launched more than 7,000 missiles and drones at Gulf states since February 28.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary-general, Jasem Al Budaiwi, informed the UN Security Council on Friday that Iran has fired over 7,000 missiles and drones at Gulf states since the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
According to JINSA, Iran has launched more than 400 ballistic missiles and nearly 1,000 drones at Arab Gulf states during this period.
President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the scale of Iranian attacks, noting that Gulf countries were initially expected to have a minor role in the conflict.
Experts suggest that Iran is escalating its attacks on US and Gulf shipping to break the US blockade on its oil exports, taking advantage of the US being preoccupied with midterm elections.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers carrying crude oil in strikes in the Gulf of Oman and near Iran’s Kharg Island.
The attacks have raised concerns about the economic impact on the Gulf states, with the secretary-general warning that the situation cannot become the new normal.
Gulf states have found themselves on the front line of the Middle East's newest war, and they are increasingly angry.
The ongoing conflict is also affecting the global oil market, with experts noting the significance of the Gulf's oil supply.
The attacks have raised questions about the future socioeconomic model of the Gulf states, as they grapple with the economic costs and the challenge of restoring commercial confidence and trade flows.
What this adds
The exact number of missiles and drones fired varies among reports, with some outlets citing different figures.
What's confirmed
- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary-general, Jasem Al Budaiwi, informed the UN Security Council on Friday that Iran has fired over 7,000 missiles and drones at Gulf states since the start of Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
- According to JINSA, Iran has launched more than 400 ballistic missiles and nearly 1,000 drones at Arab Gulf states during this period.
- President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the scale of Iranian attacks, noting that Gulf countries were initially expected to have a minor role in the conflict.
- Experts suggest that Iran is escalating its attacks on US and Gulf shipping to break the US blockade on its oil exports, taking advantage of the US being preoccupied with midterm elections.
- US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces destroyed five Iranian oil tankers carrying crude oil in strikes in the Gulf of Oman and near Iran’s Kharg Island.
- The attacks have raised concerns about the economic impact on the Gulf states, with the secretary-general warning that the situation cannot become the new normal.
- Gulf states have found themselves on the front line of the Middle East's newest war, and they are increasingly angry.
- The ongoing conflict is also affecting the global oil market, with experts noting the significance of the Gulf's oil supply.
- The attacks have raised questions about the future socioeconomic model of the Gulf states, as they grapple with the economic costs and the challenge of restoring commercial confidence and trade flows.
What's still developing
- Asharq Al-Awsat reported on March 26 that 83 percent of all Iranian launches since February 28 had been directed at GCC states, with only 17 percent aimed at Israel — a split that makes the Gulf the primary theatre of Iran’s aerial campaign by a wide margin.
- Tehran is trying to break the US blockade – while Houthi advances and a drone attack on a key pipeline lift the stakes even higher Iran is escalating its attacks on US and Gulf shipping, seeking to break the blockade of its oil exports and strike while the US is distracted by the midterm elections, experts have told The i Paper.