Key facts
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for missile and drone operations against U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
- The IRGC stated it shot down a U.S. MQ9 drone attempting to interfere in the operation.
- U.S. Central Command confirmed striking over 60 small boats of the IRGC in response to attacks on shipping.
- Oil prices rose over 3% following the U.S. decision to revoke a license allowing Iran to sell oil.
- A Qatari LNG tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker were reportedly damaged in separate incidents.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, claiming to have also shot down a U.S. MQ9 drone. This action followed a wave of U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities, including over 60 small boats belonging to the Revolutionary Guards, in retaliation for attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Air raid sirens were heard in Bahrain and Kuwait, with Kuwait's army confirming it was confronting hostile attacks. The U.S. also revoked a license that had allowed Iran to sell oil on international markets, a move that contributed to a more than 3% rise in oil prices. Separate incidents also saw a Qatari LNG tanker and a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker damaged. These events represent a significant escalation and a blow to a fragile ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran.