Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply on Wednesday after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted Kuwait and Bahrain.
The fresh escalation is prompting a new round of U.S. military strikes against Iranian positions and raising concerns that the fragile ceasefire between the two countries could collapse.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American and allied air defense systems intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones launched toward U.S. forces and allied targets in Kuwait and Bahrain. CENTCOM said a fresh wave of Iranian drones aimed at U.S. military personnel in Kuwait was successfully shot down before reaching its targets.
The attacks caused significant damage in Kuwait. Kuwaiti authorities reported that Iranian missiles and drones struck Kuwait International Airport, damaging Terminal 1 and forcing the suspension of commercial flights. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry said at least one person was killed and 63 others were injured in the attack. Flights were diverted while emergency crews assessed the damage.
Bahrain also came under attack, with U.S. and Bahraini air defenses intercepting missiles and drones before they reached their intended targets, according to military officials. CENTCOM stated that no American personnel were killed or injured in the attacks and denied Iranian claims that U.S. military facilities in Bahrain had been successfully struck.
In response, U.S. forces launched what CENTCOM described as “self-defense strikes” against Iranian military infrastructure on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes reportedly targeted a military ground control station and ballistic missile sites linked to recent attacks against Gulf states and U.S. forces.
Following the incident, Kuwait ordered two Iranian embassy officials to leave the country within 24 hours.
Original article
Comments