Iran strikes US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait; Trump warns of escalation

Key facts

• Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for striking US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
• The strikes were in retaliation for renewed American strikes on Iran.
• Iran warned of expanding its response to other regional bases if US attacks persist.
• Kuwait reported its air defence systems intercepted hostile missile and drone attacks.
• President Trump warned of severe escalation if Iran continues to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced they had struck US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait with missiles and drones, stating it was a response to renewed American strikes. The Guards also issued a warning that their retaliatory actions would extend to other bases across the region if US attacks were repeated. Kuwait's military confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted 'hostile missile and drone attacks' overnight.

These actions follow fresh US strikes on Iran, which President Donald Trump stated were in retaliation for Iran's alleged attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had previously warned that further targeting of ships would lead to a much worse outcome. US Central Command confirmed the strikes were intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the vital waterway. Iran's chief negotiator asserted that the Strait of Hormuz would only be opened under 'Iranian arrangements,' warning that 'if you strike, you will be struck.'

Earlier, Trump had declared that a ceasefire with Iran was over, prompting calls for de-escalation from mediators. Despite the heightened tensions, Trump also suggested that the current military flare-up would not result in long-term action and left the door open for further talks.