Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait on Thursday, hours after the United States carried out a fresh wave of airstrikes on military targets in Tehran and other parts of Iran. The latest exchange marks a sharp escalation in the conflict, raising fears of a wider regional war.
According to Iranian state media, the strikes targeted the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and an American military base in Kuwait. Iranian outlets claimed a fire broke out at the Fifth Fleet headquarters and circulated footage they said showed the attack on the US base in Kuwait, referring to it as a base of "American terrorists." These claims have not been independently verified.
Explosions were heard in Bahrain's capital, Manama, shortly after air raid sirens sounded across the city. Bahrain's Interior Ministry urged residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe place.
In Kuwait, the military said its air defence systems intercepted "hostile missile and drone attacks."
"The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosions heard are a result of air defence systems intercepting hostile attacks," the Kuwait military said in a post on X, without specifying the origin of the projectiles.
The retaliation came after Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed to deliver a "devastating response" to fresh US strikes.
US forces have carried out a widespread series of strikes targeting Iranian coastal targets tonight.
— Major Madhan Kumar (Retd)?? (@major_madhan) July 9, 2026
Iran has struck Qatar, Kuwait & Bahrain !
Round no -2! Now the fight is only for the straight! pic.twitter.com/7n2LcMcqeO
Earlier on Thursday, the United States launched airstrikes on around 90 Iranian military targets, including missile sites, air defence systems and naval infrastructure. Washington said the operation was aimed at protecting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz following Tuesday's attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
?BREAKING
— Aleksey The Great ??? (@aleksthgrt) July 9, 2026
Iran launches massive strikes against US bases in the Middle East.??
▪️Missile strikes set fire to the US 5th Fleet base in Bahrain and military facilities in Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/5QSxIQZSBO
US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against further escalation, saying Washington was prepared to respond with even stronger military action if necessary. Iran, meanwhile, accused the US of violating previous understandings and vowed to continue defending its sovereignty.
The renewed hostilities have intensified concerns over regional stability, disrupted maritime traffic through the Gulf and pushed global oil prices higher amid fears of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
