Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard initiated drone and missile strikes on Sunday, targeting Bahrain and Kuwait in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on the Islamic Republic. They issued a stark warning that ongoing U.S. attacks could lead to a “complete halt” in negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
Efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—historically a vital channel for global oil and natural gas—have ignited a tense standoff. The U.S. Navy announced plans to expand maritime routes near Oman in the strait, allowing for increased traffic, which angered Tehran. Iran asserts that it should govern the strait following the war, challenging long-held international norms regarding these waters.
In recent days, Iran has attacked vessels navigating the Oman route, which is supported by a United Nations agency. This escalation has heightened the risk of conflict in the region.
The U.S. Central Command reported that it targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including surveillance systems, air defense sites, and drone storage facilities, after an attack on the Panamanian-flagged tanker Kiku. The vessel was carrying crude oil for Qatar, a key player in negotiations between Iran and the U.S.
In a social media post, former President Trump stated that the U.S. had struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations for violating the ceasefire agreement. He warned of a point where the U.S. might be compelled to take more severe military action, claiming, “If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”
The situation escalated just days prior when an Iranian drone targeted a merchant vessel off Oman, prompting a U.S. military response. The Kiku had left a Qatari oil field and was heading to a port in the United Arab Emirates, attempting to use a route near Oman rather than the one sanctioned by Iran.
After the U.S. strikes on Sunday, Kuwait’s military reported intercepting incoming Iranian drones and missiles, though no immediate damage was reported. Kuwait hosts a significant U.S. Army base, underscoring its strategic importance in the region.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian attacks, describing them as a “dangerous escalation.” The ministry emphasized that Iran’s actions reflect a systematic approach of aggression against Bahrain’s sovereignty and the security of its residents. Bahrain is also home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, which has faced repeated attacks during the ongoing conflict.
The Revolutionary Guard has claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that they targeted Al Asad Air Base in Kuwait. They further warned that continued violations of the ceasefire would lead to significant consequences for ongoing diplomatic efforts.
As tensions rise, the Revolutionary Guard, which oversees Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities and directly answers to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to be exerting increased influence within the Islamic Republic, complicating the landscape of regional diplomacy. – AP
For further updates, refer to credible sources such as BBC and Reuters.
