The conflict between Iran and the United States has entered another dangerous phase, with Tehran announcing fresh attacks against US military positions across the Gulf.
Iran’s army said on Thursday that it had targeted American military infrastructure at Kuwait’s Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base and the UAE’s Al Minhad Air Base using missiles and attack drones.
Tehran described the attacks as retaliation for recent US military operations against Iran.
Kuwait Intercepts Incoming Missiles and Drones
Kuwait’s military said its air-defence systems responded to Iranian missile and drone attacks early Thursday.
The Kuwaiti authorities described the assault as a serious violation of the country’s sovereignty and urged residents to follow official security and safety instructions.
The country did not immediately report major casualties from the attacks.
Iran Claims US Facilities Were Targeted
Iranian military officials claimed that missiles and drones struck satellite communications facilities, equipment warehouses and fighter aircraft hangars at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait.
In the UAE, Iranian forces said they targeted areas where US personnel were stationed as well as radar systems at Al Minhad Air Base.
Iran also claimed that the attacks caused damage to communications infrastructure and aircraft facilities. However, there was no immediate independent confirmation of the extent of the alleged damage.
UAE Condemns Attack on Kuwait
The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned Iran’s attack on Kuwait.
The UAE Foreign Ministry described the missile and drone assault as a flagrant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability. Abu Dhabi expressed full solidarity with Kuwait and support for measures aimed at protecting its security.
Why the Conflict Has Escalated
The latest attacks follow a new round of US military operations against Iranian targets.
US Central Command has said its strikes focused on Iranian military assets, including rocket launchers, air-defence systems, radar installations and maritime capabilities. Washington has argued that the operations were aimed at preventing Iran from deploying mines in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has responded by targeting US-linked military infrastructure in several countries across the region.
Trump Says Fighting Will Not Last ‘Too Long’
US President Donald Trump said the renewed fighting with Iran would not continue for “too long”, while simultaneously warning that the United States remained ready to strike Iran whenever necessary.
His remarks came as Tehran signalled that it was preparing further military responses, raising concerns that the current cycle of attacks could continue.
Growing Risk of a Wider Regional Conflict
The latest escalation is particularly significant because US military personnel and facilities are spread across several Gulf and Middle Eastern countries.
Any sustained exchange of attacks involving Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq could widen the conflict beyond the direct US-Iran confrontation. Disruption in the Gulf could also threaten energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
