Military tensions in the Gulf intensified on Tuesday after Iran launched missiles and drones toward Kuwait and Bahrain, striking part of Kuwait International Airport and triggering defensive operations by United States and allied forces across the region.
Kuwaiti authorities suspended all flight operations after a missile reportedly hit a section of Terminal 1 at Kuwait International Airport, causing structural damage and leaving several people injured. State media said officials were evaluating the extent of the damage before determining when normal airport activities could resume.
According to the U.S. military, two Iranian missiles aimed at Kuwait failed to reach their intended targets, while three others launched toward Bahrain were intercepted by joint U.S. and Bahraini defense systems. The U.S. Central Command said additional Iranian ballistic missiles and drones directed at regional targets were successfully neutralized before causing significant damage.
The latest attacks followed U.S. military strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, which Washington described as self-defense operations carried out in response to threats against American personnel and assets in the Gulf.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for the missile and drone attacks, stating that the operation targeted the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet and other military installations in the region. Iranian state media characterized the action as retaliation for recent U.S. attacks on Iranian facilities.
The exchange of strikes has heightened concerns about the possibility of a broader regional conflict, complicating ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Diplomatic negotiations remain at a standstill as both sides continue military operations.
The renewed hostilities also rattled global energy markets, with oil prices climbing amid fears that escalating tensions could disrupt shipping routes and energy supplies from the Gulf.
U.S. officials said American forces additionally intercepted drones believed to be targeting civilian vessels and military positions, warning that any further attacks would prompt additional defensive responses.
The latest developments underscore the fragile security situation in the Gulf, where repeated military confrontations have raised fears of a wider regional escalation.
