Pentagon: Operation in Al-Udeid Air Base Continues
Al-Udeid Air Base
The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that it is not considering moving its Central Command (CENTCOM) operation based at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Pentagon Spokeswoman for CENTCOM Rebecca Rebarich said in a statement that US forces will continue using this base in the future and will expand CENTCOM’s operational range, specifically the US Air Force in the region.
This is part of a strategy to increase the command's ability to have air control throughout its area of, she said.
Rebarich’s remarks follow media reports indicating that the US Air Force has temporarily moved its Middle East command and control center from Qatar to South Carolina as part of a training.
The Washington Post quoted air force commanders as saying that “moving functions to a different base was a long-held ambition enabled by new technology, but it comes amid renewed tension with Iran.”
The air power of the United States and its allies was being controlled by teams at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, more than 7,000 miles away.
Though the move was only temporary — al-Udeid took back control after 24 hours.
Kuwait Says Iran Attacked Power and Water Desalination Plant, Causing Damagehttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5297035-kuwait-says-iran-attacked-power-and-water-desalination-plant-causing-damage
Kuwait Says Iran Attacked Power and Water Desalination Plant, Causing Damage
Vehicles drive along a highway on the outskirts of Kuwait City on July 8, 2026. (Photo by AFP)
Kuwait said Friday that Iran attacked a power and water desalination plant, causing widespread damage to the station.
Kuwait’s Electricity Water and Renewable Energy Ministry announced the attack, saying it sparked a fire and “damage to a large number of electricity generation units.”
Kuwait said it extinguished the blaze and was working to assess the damage and get the station working again.
Qatar Says Child Injured as Missile Attack Interceptedhttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5297010-qatar-says-child-injured-missile-attack-intercepted
A visitor to the Museum of Islamic Art takes pictures of the skyline of highrise buildings in Doha on July 9, 2026. (AFP)
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Qatar Says Child Injured as Missile Attack Intercepted
A visitor to the Museum of Islamic Art takes pictures of the skyline of highrise buildings in Doha on July 9, 2026. (AFP)
Qatar announced Friday that its army had intercepted a missile attack, with falling debris injuring a child.
"The Ministry of Defense... announces that the armed forces have intercepted a missile attack that targeted the State of Qatar," the ministry wrote on X.
A child was injured by falling debris after the interception, the interior ministry later reported.
Iran has targeted several Gulf countries since hostilities with the United States resumed on July 7, claiming to be aiming at American military installations.
Qatar, a mediator in talks with the United States alongside Pakistan and host to the largest American base in the Middle East, was targeted on Sunday for the first time since the April truce.
Iranian Attacks on Gulf Intensify, Kuwait Bears Brunthttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5296848-iranian-attacks-gulf-intensify-kuwait-bears-brunt
Iranian Attacks on Gulf Intensify, Kuwait Bears Brunt
Smoke rises near Kuwait International Airport after a drone strike targeted a fuel depot. (File photo/AFP)
Iranian attacks on Gulf states have intensified sharply in recent days, with Kuwait bearing the brunt as fighting between the United States and Iran resumed and tensions rose in the Strait of Hormuz.
From the renewed escalation last Wednesday through early Thursday, Kuwaiti forces detected about 77 hostile drones and 18 missiles in the country’s airspace, according to an Asharq Al-Awsat tally.
The missiles included eight ballistic missiles and 10 cruise missiles. Kuwaiti forces intercepted or otherwise dealt with the threats.
The latest attacks stood out for causing casualties and damage.
Kuwait said several Iranian strikes targeted vital facilities and scattered debris across multiple locations, causing material damage and injuring six people, including four members of the Kuwaiti armed forces.
Three land border posts in northern Kuwait were also attacked, causing further damage and one injury.
Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah checks on the health condition of those injured as a result of the Iranian aggression. KUNA
Kuwait’s consulate general in the southern Iraqi city of Basra was targeted again on Monday.
Kuwait condemned the attack and acknowledged the Iraqi government’s efforts to confront such incidents. It also called for “immediate and decisive” action to hold those responsible accountable and prevent a recurrence.
The continued attacks drew broad condemnation and expressions of solidarity from Gulf states.
Calls to strike back at launch sites
Academic and political researcher Ayed al-Manaa said Gulf Cooperation Council states should prepare for further Iranian retaliation following US attacks.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, al-Manaa urged Gulf states to respond to the sources of fire rather than remain on the defensive.
He said the escalation showed that Tehran had gone too far, particularly during the 40-day war.
Iran, he added, could retaliate against nearby US forces or Israel instead of targeting Gulf states.
Al-Manaa said Iran’s conduct reflected a lack of respect for Gulf sovereignty and a disregard for fraternal ties, neighborly relations and shared religious bonds.
Gulf states are peaceful countries that maintain normal relations, trade and neighborly ties with Iran, he said.
Tehran had treated that position with disdain, he added, making it necessary for Gulf states to raise their level of readiness and prepare to confront and respond to further attacks.
Fragile truce, vague memorandum
Political analyst Khaled al-Habbas said the renewed fighting between Washington and Tehran, and the failure of the ceasefire to hold, showed that the memorandum of understanding reached in mid-June was broad and highly ambiguous.
He said the uncertainty was most evident in provisions dealing with the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions on Tehran and its frozen assets.
Al-Habbas said other factors were also driving the crisis.
These included “the deep hostility and mistrust between the two sides, the aggressive nature of the Iranian regime and the sharp divisions between hardline leaders within the Revolutionary Guards and other officials who support negotiations with the United States.”
Doubts over Iran’s commitment to a deal
“The continuation of Iranian aggression against some Gulf states, alongside attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, indicates that the Iranian side is not serious about reaching a final agreement,” al-Habbas said.
He said the negotiations also faced major obstacles, while the ceasefire remained fragile.
Tension and instability would therefore continue to define the regional landscape for now, he added.
Al-Habbas did not rule out further exchanges of military action in the region, although he said both sides appeared keen to avoid a return to full-scale war.
“The danger remains, however, and all possibilities are still open. This is why Gulf states are following these developments with concern,” he said.
He praised Gulf states for successfully confronting Iranian attacks while continuing to support diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to war and the risks it would pose to the region.
Al-Habbas called for greater regional and international diplomatic pressure on Iran to isolate it politically and expose what he described as its aggression.
He said Iran should be held responsible for the damage caused by “this blatant aggression,” while Gulf states retained the right to defend themselves at a time and place of their choosing.
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