Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting Bahrain and Kuwait early Saturday, according to Bahrain’s government. These attacks were intercepted, and Bahrain urged Tehran to stop such actions, labeling them a ‘serious escalation.’ Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry accused the U.S. of attacking surveillance facilities on Qeshm Island and near Sirik, which they claimed provided border protection and security for international waters navigation. Tehran condemned this as a breach of the fragile ceasefire.
The latest round of hostilities aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to compel Iran toward a peace deal. This conflict has stressed the global economy and threatened food security in affected countries. Iran asserted its aim at U.S. military targets.
The U.S. military reported intercepting several Iranian missiles and drones aimed at the Strait of Hormuz and allies in the Gulf, in addition to striking coastal surveillance radar sites. U.S. Central Command highlighted on social media the threat these attack drones posed to regional maritime traffic, confirming the hitting of radar sites, including those on an island in the strait, as a defensive move.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced targeting the Ali Al Salem air base, hosting U.S. forces in Kuwait, and the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain, as per IRNA news agency. There were no reports of harm to U.S. personnel.
Earlier in the week, Iranian drones inflicted damage on a passenger terminal at Kuwait’s main airport, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. In response to Iran’s control over crucial energy shipment corridors, the U.S. maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, impacting energy prices globally. This blockade poses political challenges for President Trump ahead of midterm elections.
Despite ceasefire concerns, Trump stated on Friday that the situation with Iran was progressing well. He declared a rapid resolution would be achieved, either through negotiation or other means. However, Trump faces constraints as U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached a provisional agreement to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and initiate discussions on Iran’s nuclear program. Yet, Trump has sought further amendments, with no public indication of Iranian compliance.
He acknowledged that Iran retains about 21% to 22% of its missiles. A key objective of the conflict was to dismantle Tehran’s missile capabilities.
Concurrent fighting in Lebanon further complicates peace efforts and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as Israeli forces target Hezbollah. Iran conditioned a durable truce on extending peace to Lebanon. The Trump administration praised a new ceasefire between the Lebanese government and Israel brokered in Washington, but Hezbollah dismissed the accord.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday caused nine fatalities, including three Lebanese military members. The Lebanese army and state media reported the incident, and the Israeli military stated its review, clarifying its operations target Hezbollah, not the Lebanese military.