Iran Launches Missile, Drone Strikes on US Targets in Kuwait and Bahrain After Qeshm Attack

Iran Claims Retaliatory Strikes On US Bases In Kuwait, Bahrain After Qeshm Island Attack.

Tensions in the Gulf escalated sharply on Wednesday after Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, describing the operation as retaliation for recent American strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attacks were carried out in response to what it described as US strikes on an Iranian communications facility and an oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media claimed that military installations linked to the US Fifth Fleet and a regional air base were among the intended targets.

Kuwait Activates Air Defences

Kuwait’s military confirmed that its air defence systems were deployed to intercept incoming missiles and drones after residents reported explosions across parts of the country.

In a statement, the Kuwaiti Armed Forces said the sounds heard by the public were linked to interception operations carried out by air defence units responding to hostile aerial threats. Authorities later urged residents to avoid approaching any debris or unidentified objects that may have fallen during the interceptions and asked citizens to report suspicious materials to emergency services.

Bahrain Issues Public Warning

Bahrain also activated emergency warning systems as the situation unfolded. The Interior Ministry issued alerts advising residents to remain calm and move to designated safe locations while following instructions issued by authorities.

Iranian state media circulated videos claiming to show missiles crossing Bahraini airspace, though independent verification of the footage was not immediately available.

Iran Says It Acted On Earlier Warning

According to statements carried by Iranian media, the IRGC said it had previously warned that any further action against Iranian interests would trigger a stronger response.

Iran alleged that US forces had targeted an Iranian communications tower near Qeshm Island and damaged an Iranian tanker operating near the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said Wednesday’s operation was intended to demonstrate that future attacks would not go unanswered.

US Rejects Claims Of Successful Strikes

The US military disputed Iran’s claims that American facilities were hit.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American and partner forces intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones launched toward Kuwait and Bahrain. According to CENTCOM, two missiles fired toward Kuwait either fell short or broke apart, while three missiles targeting Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defence systems. The command also said all Iranian attacks on American forces failed.

CENTCOM further denied Iranian claims that the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain or any American air base in the region had been struck.

Qeshm Island Strike Triggered Escalation

The latest exchange follows US military operations on Qeshm Island earlier this week. CENTCOM said it conducted what it described as self-defence strikes against Iranian radar installations, drone command-and-control facilities and a military ground control station after intercepting Iranian drones and missiles in the region.

The confrontation marks another significant escalation in the ongoing US-Iran standoff and is likely to heighten security concerns across the Gulf, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy shipments.