Iran Launches Attacks on US Military Facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced this morning that they targeted American military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. Additionally, they destroyed radar systems in Oman and struck fuel tanks and ammunition depots at Prince Hassan air base in Jordan as part of retaliatory actions against the United States.
Jordan reported a few hours ago that it intercepted and downed four missiles fired from Iranian territory. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military stated it was intercepting “hostile aerial targets” within the country’s airspace.
The strikes come as Tehran aims to assert sovereignty over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which it views as its primary leverage in negotiations with Washington.
Context of the Retaliatory Strikes
The Iranian attacks on US-allied countries across the region were in response to overnight US strikes on “dozens” of Iranian sites. These included air defense systems, radar sites, missile and drone equipment, and small boats.
“The strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime corridor for global trade,”
said the US military’s Central Command, adding,
“Iran does not control it.”
However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which oversee the country’s ballistic missile arsenal, rejected the US statement, asserting that the strait “is our territory” and that they would not permit Washington’s “illegal interference in it.”
Ongoing Tensions and Interim Deal Status
Iran and the US are nearly halfway through a 60-day interim agreement intended to facilitate talks for a permanent resolution to the conflict initiated by the US in late February. Instead, the situation has escalated into a series of attacks centered on the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas typically flows.
Last week, US President Donald Trump suggested that the interim deal was “over.” Despite this, mediators including Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt have continued efforts to reach a final agreement.
Details of Recent Military Actions
The US stated it conducted strikes early Sunday after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired upon a Cyprus-registered container ship, claiming it was navigating an “unauthorized route” through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian state media, the IRGC also reported hitting a second vessel, accusing it of “violating regulations.”
Shortly thereafter, US Central Command announced that its forces had executed strikes against Iran, targeting at least 140 sites.
In retaliation for the US strikes, Iran launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbors yesterday and declared the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
President Trump later dismissed Iranian claims of closing the strait, asserting it remained open to commercial traffic. However, the US-run Joint Maritime Information Center reported that traffic was transiting the narrow waterway at “reduced levels.” Trump stated that US forces were maintaining the strait’s openness by force.
Oman’s Response and Additional Iranian Actions
In a series of social media posts this morning, Oman’s interior ministry reported that sirens were being activated and urged residents to proceed to the nearest safe location and await further instructions.
As previously mentioned, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated earlier that it had attacked radar systems in Oman as part of its counterstrikes against the US.
