Regional Tensions Escalate as Iran Claims Attacks on US Bases in Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain

Available reports indicate that Iranian missiles have also targeted US bases in Qatar and Bahrain.

Regional tensions have escalated as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missile and drone attacks targeting US fighter jets and military facilities in Jordan. Iranian state media also reported that US airstrikes inside Iran have continued for a seventh consecutive day.

The IRGC stated that these operations, described as the 14th phase of Operation Nasr 2, were in retaliation for alleged US attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, including bridges, residential neighborhoods, and a water pumping station in Bandar Abbas. The IRGC claimed a two-stage assault involving multiple ballistic missiles and a large number of drones targeting American military positions in several countries.

Among its claims, the IRGC stated it struck Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base in Jordan, alleging that several US fighter aircraft, including F-35, F-15, and F-16 jets, along with aerial refueling aircraft, were destroyed or heavily damaged. These claims have not been independently verified, and US officials have not confirmed any reported losses.

The Iranian military also claimed attacks on a covert US special operations center at Al-Tanf base in Syria, alleging that several American soldiers were killed and that a radar system and multiple helicopters were hit. Additionally, the IRGC claimed targeting a US missile detection and surveillance radar system in Kuwait, along with weapons depots, two HIMARS rocket launchers, and storage facilities for ATACMS ballistic missiles. Separately, Kuwaiti officials have stated that an Iranian attack damaged a power and desalination plant in Kuwait.

Iranian attacks have reportedly expanded to include Qatar and Jordan. Within Kuwait, Iranian attacks are now reported to have damaged power and water plants.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense detected and destroyed 32 drones in its airspace, which were reportedly part of Iranian attacks targeting important military installations in Kuwait. Kuwaiti coastal defense successfully intercepted all drones, though debris fell in various residential areas, causing some financial damage. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in Kuwait.

These Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain were reportedly in response to US actions. Russian media indicated that Iranian drones targeted a US missile battery in the area, leading to thick smoke. Reuters also reported the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense's confirmation of Iranian attacks on military installations, resulting in financial damage.

Meanwhile, US Central Command announced that the US Navy has intensified its naval blockade against Iran. The US Navy conducted operations against commercial vessels violating the blockade in the Gulf of Oman. US Marines intercepted three commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, with one vessel destroyed and another boarded. CENTCOM affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz and other sea routes remain open and safe, but warned that actions against vessels violating the naval blockade will continue.

Reports indicate that Iran's retaliatory actions have expanded, with missiles reportedly fired at US bases in Bahrain and Jordan, in addition to Kuwait.