Iran Strikes US Bases in Bahrain and Kuwait; US Hits 90 Iranian Targets in Retaliation
The United States military confirmed it launched a second night of strikes against Iran on Thursday, hitting over 90 targets, as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by attacking US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes targeted air defence systems, coastal surveillance assets, missile and drone storage sites, and naval capabilities along Iran's coastline. The operation aimed to 'degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping and civilian mariners in the Strait of Hormuz,' a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Iran's IRGC announced it used missiles and drones to strike 'key infrastructure and facilities' at US bases in Arifjan and Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, and Juffair and Sheikh Isa in Bahrain. The IRGC warned it would expand strikes to other American bases if the US launched further attacks.
The escalation came hours after US President Donald Trump declared that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran, aimed at ending hostilities, was 'over.' Trump was quoted as saying, 'I don't want to deal with them. They're scum. They're sick people. They're led by sick people.' He also claimed Iran 'wants to make a deal so badly' but questioned whether Tehran would honour any agreement.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed dramatically. On Wednesday, only 14 cargo vessels crossed the waterway, down from an average of 34 ships per day in the previous three weeks following an interim deal between the two countries.
India expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs urged restraint, as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Kuwait as part of a tour of four West Asian countries, including Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.
The conflict began after the US launched initial strikes on Iranian military and port facilities on Wednesday. Iran responded with aerial attacks on US bases in the region. The situation remains volatile, with both sides showing no signs of de-escalation.
