IRGC Says 18 US-Linked Sites Were Targeted
Iran has claimed that 18 major US military targets in Kuwait and Bahrain came under attack amid a sharp rise in regional tensions.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strikes targeted key military locations, including Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber bases in Kuwait. It also said Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain was among the targets.
Iran’s military separately claimed that Patriot systems and communications facilities linked to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain were also targeted.
According to Iranian statements, suicide drones were launched toward US military assets in Bahrain. Tehran said the attacks were carried out in response to recent American raids on southern Iran.
The latest claims have increased fears of a wider military confrontation in the Gulf. The region is already under severe pressure after repeated strikes, shipping disruptions and rising diplomatic tension.
US Strikes on Southern Iran Fuel Retaliation
The latest escalation followed a new round of US strikes against multiple targets inside Iran.
US Central Command described the strikes as a response to what it called Iran’s continued aggression. The attacks reportedly targeted military positions in southern Iran.
Shortly after the US announcement, Iranian media reported fresh explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and near Minab in Hormozgan province. These areas are close to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Reports also mentioned heavy air defence activity across parts of Iran. Earlier, detonations were reported near Fars city, while anti-aircraft activity was heard over western Tehran.
Separate blasts were also reported near Kish Island. The sequence of explosions added to fears that the conflict could spread beyond limited military exchanges.
Iran has framed its response as retaliation for American attacks. The United States, meanwhile, says its actions are linked to Iranian military activity in the region.
Gulf Region Faces Growing Security Risk
The reported attacks on US-linked targets in Kuwait and Bahrain have placed Gulf security under fresh pressure.
Kuwait and Bahrain host important American military assets. Any direct strike or attempted strike on those facilities risks drawing more countries into the conflict.
The situation is especially sensitive because Bahrain is home to the US Fifth Fleet, which plays a major role in American naval operations across the Gulf.
The latest developments also come as the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of regional tension. The waterway is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments.
Any further escalation could affect global energy markets, shipping insurance, commercial routes and regional stability.
Diplomatic efforts now face a serious test. Each new strike increases the risk of miscalculation between Iran, the United States and regional states.
For now, Iran’s claims and US military actions show that the conflict has entered a more dangerous phase. The coming days will be critical for determining whether the crisis expands or moves back toward diplomacy.
