Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran
Tehran, July 9: Iran claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait on Thursday, hours after Washington carried out a fresh round of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, further escalating tensions in the Gulf region.
According to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), missiles and drones struck what it described as key infrastructure at US bases in Arifjan and Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, and Juffair and Sheikh Isa in Bahrain.
The IRGC warned that its military response would expand to other US bases across the region if further American attacks were carried out against Iran.
Explosions were heard in Bahrain's capital, Manama, shortly after air raid sirens were activated, while Kuwait's military said its air defence systems intercepted hostile missiles and drones. Authorities did not immediately report any casualties or damage.
The latest escalation followed renewed US military strikes on Iran. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had completed another round of attacks, targeting around 90 Iranian military sites, including air defence systems, missile and drone storage facilities, naval assets and logistics infrastructure.
CENTCOM said the operation was aimed at degrading Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz would operate only under "Iranian arrangements" and warned the United States against further military action.
"The United States still has not learned that bullying and breaking its promises no longer come without consequences," Ghalibaf said, adding, "If you strike, you will be struck."
Missile alerts were also activated in Bahrain and Qatar following the latest exchange of attacks, although there were no immediate reports of damage.
The developments came after US President Donald Trump declared that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran was "over", raising fears of a broader regional conflict.