Key facts
- Air raid sirens activated in Bahrain, with authorities urging citizens to remain calm and head to safe places.
- Kuwait's army stated it was responding to hostile missile and drone attacks.
- Bahrain's government confirmed its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed three missiles and several drones fired from Iran.
- Kuwait reported seven hostile ballistic missiles were detected and engaged over its airspace at dawn, with falling shrapnel causing material damage.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility, stating it targeted U.S. military assets including the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain.
- Bahrain and Kuwait condemned the attacks as "blatant aggression" and a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty and a "direct threat" to civilians.
Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain early Saturday as the country's air defense systems intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, prompting authorities to urge citizens to remain calm and seek safe places. Simultaneously, Kuwait's army announced it was responding to "hostile" missile and drone attacks, with falling shrapnel causing material damage but no reported casualties.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they targeted U.S. military assets, including the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain. This action followed U.S. strikes on Iranian surveillance radar sites and the downing of drones near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command confirmed that U.S. forces had intercepted Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain strongly condemned the attacks on its territory and neighboring Kuwait, calling the incident "blatant aggression" and a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty. Kuwait also denounced the strikes as a "direct threat" to civilians and a "dangerous escalation." Bahrain confirmed its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed three missiles and several drones, while Kuwait reported engaging seven hostile ballistic missiles. Kuwait's aviation authority announced that air traffic had resumed after a temporary closure, during which 11 flights were diverted.
These exchanges occur amid ongoing efforts to mediate an end to the broader Middle East conflict and maintain a fragile ceasefire. Pakistan's interior minister was in Iran for mediation efforts, while the U.S. administration is reportedly considering allowing Gulf allies to use frozen Iranian assets to pay for war damages. The conflict has strained the global economy and threatened food security in vulnerable regions.