Bahrain and Kuwait say Iranian missile and drone attacks intercepted as Gulf tensions escalate amid US-Iran conflict
Bahrain’s government said Saturday that Iranian ballistic missiles and drones were launched toward both Bahrain and Kuwait, but were intercepted before reaching their targets, as tensions surged across the Gulf region amid ongoing exchanges between Iran and U.S.-aligned forces.
Kuwait’s foreign ministry described the strikes as a “serious escalation” and a “flagrant violation of sovereignty,” adding that the country reserves the right to defend itself. Bahrain urged Iran to immediately halt attacks against neighboring Gulf states as officials reported no confirmed damage.
The announcements came hours after U.S. forces said they intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf allies, while also striking Iranian coastal radar installations in response. The sequence of attacks and counterstrikes further strained an already fragile ceasefire framework.
According to U.S. military officials, Iran launched seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, with six intercepted and one failing to reach its target. Earlier in the day, U.S. forces also shot down Iranian drones approaching the Strait of Hormuz, citing threats to regional maritime traffic.
Air defenses in Kuwait reportedly engaged incoming projectiles, while Bahrain activated sirens and advised residents to seek shelter. Iranian forces, meanwhile, said they had targeted a Kuwaiti air base hosting U.S. troops and the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain.
The escalation follows a broader pattern of tit-for-tat strikes that have intensified pressure on diplomatic efforts to extend a fragile ceasefire. U.S. officials said they also carried out strikes on Iranian radar sites, including installations near the strategic waterway, to deter further attacks.
The latest violence comes as negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and a proposed extension of the ceasefire remain stalled. While officials had previously signaled tentative progress toward a 60-day extension and renewed talks, no final agreement has been reached, and both sides have hardened their positions.
U.S. officials have also increased enforcement actions targeting Iranian oil shipments, including intercepting vessels and expanding sanctions on networks tied to Tehran’s energy exports, as part of broader pressure aimed at limiting Iran’s revenue streams.
The exchange of strikes has raised concerns that the already tenuous ceasefire could unravel further, even as regional powers and international mediators continue to push for a diplomatic resolution.
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