MANAMA — Iran launched missile and drone strikes targeting facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, including sites linked to U.S. military operations, in an escalation of regional hostilities, according to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and officials from the affected Gulf states.
The IRGC said the attacks were carried out in response to recent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and involved ballistic missiles and drones aimed at U.S.-linked facilities, including the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and facilities associated with the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Iranian state media reported the operation targeted multiple military locations, while independent confirmation of the full extent of damage was not immediately available.
Bahrain and Kuwait condemned the strikes, describing them as violations of their sovereignty. Bahrain’s foreign ministry said the attacks threatened regional security and stability, while Kuwait said it had been targeted by what it called Iranian aggression.
Kuwaiti and Bahraini authorities said their air defenses responded to the incoming threats. Bahrain reported that missile and drone attacks targeting its territory had been intercepted, while officials said emergency services responded to incidents linked to the strikes.
The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington following a series of military exchanges in the region. Iranian officials said the strikes were retaliation for U.S. attacks on Iranian facilities, while U.S. officials have said American operations were conducted in response to Iranian actions.
The escalation has raised concerns over the security of Gulf states and key regional infrastructure, including shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a major corridor for global energy shipments. Oil and gas producers in the region have continued some export operations despite disruptions and security concerns, according to shipping and industry data.
Diplomatic efforts have continued alongside the military confrontation. The United States and Iran have indicated interest in maintaining channels for discussions, although both sides have disputed details of potential talks and the conditions for further negotiations.
As of the latest official statements, Bahrain and Kuwait have reported responses to the attacks, while authorities in the Gulf states and Iran have continued to assess the impact of the strikes and monitor the security situation.
