Iran-US War Latest: Iran Targets 85 US Military Sites in Gulf Countries in Response to Strikes
Iran says it has launched a major missile and drone assault on U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, deepening the confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
In a statement broadcast by Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had hit 85 American military targets, including the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The IRGC also claimed that one of its forces brought down a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drone during the operation.
Strike Follows US Attacks on Iranian Targets
The Iranian assault came just hours after the United States struck more than 80 targets inside Iran, saying the operation was in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington also moved to restore sanctions on Iranian oil exports, adding to the already rising tensions between the two countries.
Sirens Sound Across Bahrain and Kuwait
As missiles and drones approached, air raid sirens were triggered in Bahrain and Kuwait. Kuwait’s military said its air defence systems intercepted what it described as “hostile missile and drone attacks.” Bahraini authorities also advised residents to stay alert while emergency teams monitored the situation.
Tehran Frames Attack as Revenge
Iran said the operation was a response to what it called American aggression and accused Washington of breaking a fragile ceasefire arrangement that had been meant to calm the situation. The IRGC warned that any further U.S. strikes would be met with a more forceful military response.
US Yet to Confirm Damage Claims
The Pentagon had not immediately verified Iran’s claim that 85 U.S. military sites were hit, and there was no independent confirmation of damage to American installations in Bahrain or Kuwait. U.S. officials had also not confirmed Iran’s assertion that one of its MQ-9 drones was shot down.
Fears Grow Over Wider Regional Conflict
The exchange of attacks has raised concerns that the fighting could spread further across the Gulf, where several major U.S. military bases and key global energy facilities are located. Oil prices rose after the latest developments as markets reacted to the growing risk of prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes.
Diplomatic Efforts Face Uncertainty
The latest military escalation has also cast doubt on efforts to prevent a broader regional war. U.S. President Donald Trump said the temporary agreement meant to ease tensions was effectively “over” after Iran’s latest attacks, fuelling fears that talks between the two sides may have broken down.
