IRBIL, Iraq: Explosive-laden drones targeted the northern Iraqi city of Irbil on Friday, where US forces are stationed, according to security officials.
The attack came hours after the US military announced that it had completed its 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iran.
Tensions have escalated over the past week, with the United States carrying out strikes on Iran while Tehran has targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and US assets and allies across the region.
US-led forces intercepted and shot down five drones carrying explosives over Irbil, officials said. No casualties or damage were reported.
Since hostilities resumed in the region, drone attacks, which Iraq’s Kurdish authorities blamed on Iran, have repeatedly been intercepted over Erbil, also home to a major US consulate complex.
Kurdish counterterrorism forces say that “the coalition forces downed five explosive-laden drones over Erbil between 9:32 and 9:45am”.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned residents in neighboring countries to stay away from facilities hosting US troops, as it claimed responsibility for attacks on American military sites in the region.
The Guard said it had targeted the US base at Udairi in Kuwait, claiming that three ammunition and storage facilities were set on fire and destroyed. It also claimed to have struck a US Navy Fifth Fleet watchtower in Bahrain, causing damage.
Bahrain’s air defences intercept Iranian projectiles: military
Bahrain’s military says its air defence systems have successfully intercepted and destroyed a number of Iranian projectiles, according to a post on X.
“The General Command affirms that all its branches and units are at the highest level of readiness and fully prepared to defend the kingdom,” it adds. “The General Command also urges everyone to exercise caution, avoid approaching any unfamiliar or suspicious objects resulting from the remnants of the Iranian attack, and report them immediately.”
تعلن القيادة العامة لقوة دفاع البحرين أن إيران تواصل نهجها العدائي الممنهج عبر اعتداءاتها الآثمة التي تستهدف المدنيين في مملكة البحرين.https://t.co/ksYK64c4dU pic.twitter.com/FypM8TOZIQ
— قوة دفاع البحرين (@BDF_Bahrain) July 24, 2026
The military also stresses that the deliberate use of missiles and drones to target civilians constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. No casualties were reported, it added.
Kuwait’s military says intercepting drones from Iran
The Kuwaiti military says its air defences are currently intercepting attacks by hostile drones, it said on X.
“The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosion sounds, if heard, are the result of air defence systems intercepting the hostile attacks,” it clarifies. “Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities.”
تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات طائرات مسيّرة معادية، إثر العدوان الإيراني الاثم.
تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش بأن أصوات الانفجارات، إن سُمعت، فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.
ويرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن… pic.twitter.com/d7xRxi0d2a
— KUWAIT ARMY – الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) July 24, 2026
Qatar urges US and Iran to implement Islamabad MoU
Earlier, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called on all sides in the Middle East conflict to implement the terms of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
The Qatari premier made the remarks during a meeting with UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Ed Miliband in Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs @MBA_AlThani_ Meets UK Foreign Secretary @Ed_Miliband
Doha, July 24, 2026
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met today with HE Secretary of State for Foreign and… pic.twitter.com/2TXJjfn3uy
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) July 24, 2026
He renewed the State of Qatar’s full support for all efforts to decrease tensions to reach a comprehensive agreement that establishes permanent peace in the region.
Jordan intercepts Iranian missiles and drones
Jordan’s military said on Friday that it had intercepted seven missiles and six drones launched from Iran, as Tehran continued attacks targeting US allies in the Middle East.
The Jordanian armed forces said the interceptions were carried out by air defence systems and military aircraft, resulting in no casualties or material damage.
Pakistan calls for permanent settlement of US-Iran conflict
Earlier, addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minsiter Dar called upon the international community to seize the opportunity provided by the Islamabad MoU and the ongoing technical negotiations to push for a permanent, peaceful and durable settlement of the Iran-US conflict.
Also Read: Pakistan Calls for Permanent Settlement of US-Iran Conflict
He said Pakistan firmly believes that dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect provide the only sustainable way forward to resolve conflicts and achieve durable peace and security.
He noted Pakistan facilitated and hosted the Islamabad Talks between Iran and the United States on 10-11 April 2026, enabling the first high-level direct diplomatic contacts between the two sides after 47 years.
“The diplomatic process, thus initiated, culminated in the signing of the Islamabad MoU, in June 2026,” Dar said.
He went on to say this historic breakthrough became possible as a result of Pakistan’s close engagement with the two parties, the United States and Iran, complemented by Islamabad’s intensive diplomatic outreach to regional and international partners.
