Explosions Reported Across Gulf Region as Iran Targets US Bases; Air Defences Activated in Bahrain, Kuwait

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply overnight after explosions were reported in parts of Iraq, Bahrain and Kuwait, amid a fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in the region.

According to regional reports, significant air defence activity was observed over several Gulf states, while warning sirens sounded across Bahrain and Kuwait. Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location as a precaution.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying it was targeting US military bases in response to recent American and Israeli operations. In a strongly worded statement, the IRGC declared that the era of "hit and run" attacks was over and warned that any further aggression would be met with a "seismic, crushing and decisive response."

Missiles Target US Facilities in Kuwait

Kuwaiti citizens shared videos on social media showing interceptor missiles lighting up the night sky as air defence systems responded to incoming threats. The footage captured explosions in the distance and air raid sirens sounding across parts of the country.

Kuwait's military confirmed that its air defence systems were activated to intercept what it described as "hostile" missile and drone attacks.

"Any sounds of explosions heard are the result of air defence systems intercepting these hostile attacks," the military said in a statement.

The US military also confirmed that Iranian missiles had been launched towards American facilities in Kuwait. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting US personnel were successfully intercepted.

"These missiles were immediately defeated, and no American personnel were harmed," CENTCOM said, adding that US and allied forces also intercepted multiple Iranian drones.

Iran Confirms Strike on US Base in Bahrain

Iran later confirmed that it had attacked the US Fifth Fleet Naval Base in Bahrain, further widening the scope of the confrontation.

Kuwait's state news agency KUNA reported that warning sirens were activated twice during the night as the attacks unfolded. Kuwaiti authorities and the foreign ministry condemned the strikes, describing them as serious threats to regional security.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Escalation

The latest attacks come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider regional conflict. Tehran has indicated it remains open to negotiations with Washington, although Iranian leaders continue to insist there will be no "surrender" under pressure.

At the same time, a partial ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel took effect on Monday. Under the arrangement, Israel agreed to halt attacks on Beirut and its southern suburbs, while Hezbollah suspended strikes on Israeli territory. However, the agreement falls short of ending the broader conflict in Lebanon, and sporadic fighting has continued.

Iran has also reportedly suspended mediator-led discussions, citing continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon.

US Intercepts Oil Tanker Bound for Iran

Adding to the tensions, the United States reportedly stopped the Botswana-flagged oil tanker M/T Lexie while it was sailing through international waters towards Iran's Kharg Island, a key oil export terminal.

Attacks Challenge US Claims of De-escalation

The renewed missile and drone attacks appear to contradict recent comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested the conflict was moving towards a calmer phase.

Speaking before a Congressional panel, Rubio said there was a possibility of reaching an agreement to end the conflict soon.

"There is the prospect before us, which could happen today, it could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week," he said.

However, the latest strikes underscore the fragility of diplomatic efforts and highlight the risk of a broader regional confrontation involving Iran, the United States and its allies.