Tensions in the Middle East reached a dangerous new flashpoint on Sunday as Iran launched a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait.
The strikes came in direct retaliation for new US military operations inside the Islamic Republic, prompting Tehran to threaten a “complete halt” to ongoing peace negotiations.
The regional escalation was sparked by an intense dispute over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Following US airstrikes against Iranian surveillance, air defence, and drone infrastructure, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard targeted Gulf states hosting major US military installations.
In Kuwait, which hosts a significant US military presence, air defences successfully intercepted two Iranian ballistic missiles and multiple drones.
Whilst no injuries were reported there, an Iranian strike in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, hit a residential building near the international airport, blowing out windows and destroying the top floor of an eight-storey complex.
Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry fiercely condemned the attack, branding it a “dangerous escalation” and part of a “systematic pattern of repeated aggression.”
The US strikes followed a Saturday attack on the Panamanian-flagged tanker Kiku, which was carrying Qatari crude oil.
US President Donald Trump heavily criticised Tehran on social media, accusing Iran of violating an interim ceasefire agreement signed earlier this month.
Trump issued a stark warning, stating the US may be forced to “militarily complete the job”, adding that if pushed to do so, “the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”
The ongoing conflict heavily imperils a recently signed 60-day memorandum of understanding meant to finalise an interim deal between Washington and Tehran.
Under the proposed terms, both nations are debating shipping rights in the strait, the removal of US blockades and sanctions, and the status of Iran’s highly enriched uranium. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly rejected any international oversight of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring that any unilateral Western maritime arrangements would “only lead to further complications.”
Compounding the crisis, fragile peace efforts in neighbouring Lebanon are also unraveling. Whilst Israel and Lebanon recently signed a framework agreement to halt the conflict with Hezbollah, the deal excluded Iran and the militant group itself.
Following the death of an Israeli soldier by Hezbollah fire in southern Lebanon on Sunday morning, Israeli military officials warned they are fully prepared to rapidly resume offensive operations in both Lebanon and Iran.
