Summery:
- Iran launched missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait after US airstrikes on Iran’s southern coast.
- Bahrain and Kuwait activated air defence systems, with initial reports indicating most incoming threats were intercepted.
- The US said its strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure linked to threats against regional shipping.
- Iran warned that further US military action would be met with additional retaliation.
- Regional governments remain on high alert as fears grow of a broader conflict affecting Gulf security and global energy markets.
TEHRAN (Agencies) – Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday, hours after the United States carried out airstrikes targeting military infrastructure along Iran’s southern coast, marking one of the most serious escalations in the Gulf in recent weeks.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strikes were conducted in retaliation for what it described as “American aggression” against Iranian territory. Tehran claimed the attacks targeted military facilities linked to US forces stationed in the two Gulf states, although it did not immediately provide evidence of the damage inflicted.
Authorities in Bahrain confirmed that air raid sirens were activated after drones and projectiles entered the country’s airspace. Officials said air defence systems responded to the incoming threats and urged residents to remain indoors while emergency services assessed the situation. Bahrain condemned the attack, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. Reports indicated no immediate confirmation of major casualties. Similar alerts were issued in Kuwait, where officials said missile and drone threats were intercepted by the country’s air defence systems. Reuters and the Associated Press reported that no significant damage or US casualties had been confirmed in the immediate aftermath of the strikes.
The Iranian retaliation followed US military strikes overnight on military installations along Iran’s southern coast. Washington said the operation targeted surveillance, communications and military infrastructure after accusing Tehran of threatening international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and carrying out previous attacks on commercial vessels in the region. US officials described the operation as defensive and warned that further attacks against American forces or regional partners would invite additional military action.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the US strikes, calling them a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Iranian officials insisted that the country’s response was proportionate and warned that any further attacks would trigger broader retaliation against what they described as American military assets across the Middle East.
The latest exchange has intensified concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest maritime oil routes. Regional authorities have increased security measures as commercial shipping companies monitor developments closely. Several maritime security organisations have advised vessels operating in the Gulf to exercise heightened caution amid fears that the conflict could disrupt global energy supplies.
The renewed hostilities also threaten diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Officials familiar with ongoing negotiations warned that the latest military actions could undermine recent attempts to preserve a fragile ceasefire framework and restart broader discussions on regional security and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Governments across the Gulf are closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation. Bahrain and Kuwait have both reiterated their commitment to protecting national security while coordinating with international partners. Regional observers warn that further retaliation by either side could draw additional countries into the conflict and significantly increase instability across the Middle East.
International leaders have urged restraint, calling on all parties to avoid actions that could trigger a wider regional war. Diplomatic contacts are reportedly continuing behind the scenes, but the latest exchange has highlighted how quickly the security situation in the Gulf can deteriorate despite ongoing mediation efforts.
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