Iran on Wednesday launched a fresh wave of attacks across the Middle East with air sirens blaring in Kuwait and Bahrain as air defences in the region intercepted incoming missiles and drones. In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the attack was in response to the “blatant aggression committed American forces by targeting the island of Qeshm”.
“The aerospace force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps… carried out precise and intensive missile strikes on the military bases of the American occupation in the State of Kuwait, which resulted in the successful destruction of their targets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issues a stern warning at the highest level of determination to the American administration, the head of global arrogance, and all those who allow their territories or airspace to be used as a launching pad for aggression against Iran,” the statement read.
It added: “Any new foolishness, further aggression, or action will be met with crushing and decisive response… The era of “strike and run” is over.”
While the Kuwaiti army said it was responding to missile and drone attacks, adding that loud sounds heard across the country are the result of interceptions, Bahrain’s interior ministry stated that a warning siren has been activated and asked citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe place.
Following the attacks, US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the US forces had neutralised “multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East on June 2”. “Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors; however, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by US and Bahrain air defense forces,” a statement read.
The latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region following a series of recent confrontations involving Iran and US forces. On Monday, the CENTCOM said Iran had launched two ballistic missiles targeting American forces stationed in Kuwait. According to CENTCOM, the missiles were fired overnight on Sunday and were successfully intercepted. No US personnel were injured. “US Central Command remains vigilant and will continue to protect our forces from Iranian aggression while supporting the ongoing ceasefire,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.
Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry condemned the missile attack, describing it as a “dangerous escalation”. The ministry said Kuwait reserved the right to take necessary measures to hold Iran “fully responsible for these heinous aggressions”.
CENTCOM said the missile launches followed US military action against Iranian military assets over the weekend. The command said it had carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes on Iranian radar and command and control sites for drones” in response to earlier incidents, including the reported downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating over international waters.
“US fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters,” CENTCOM said. The command added that no American troops were harmed during those operations.
