The attacks followed Iran confirming the assassination of its security chief, Ali Larijani, in an Israeli strike. The United States said it dropped 5,000-pound bunker-buster munitions on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz late on Tuesday. Anwar Gargash, a top adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, said Iran miscalculated by firing upon Arab states in the Gulf. He signalled the UAE may be willing to help secure the Hormuz strait. “This is the responsibility not only of the United States, but of countries in Asia, countries in the region, countries in Europe,” he said.

Source: Bangkok Post March 18, 2026 07:21 UTC