Gulf Tensions Surge: Iran Strikes Kuwait and Bahrain, US Bombs Qeshm Island
Al Jazeera Staff
Iran launched missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain early Wednesday, while the US carried out airstrikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, escalating Gulf tensions amid a deadlock in diplomatic efforts to end the nearly 100-day war. The attacks have raised fears that full-scale conflict could resume despite the April 8 cease-fire brokered by Pakistan.
Iran launched missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain in the early hours of Wednesday (June 3), and the US conducted airstrikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, as Gulf tensions escalated following a deadlock in diplomatic efforts to end the nearly 100-day US-Iran war.
The latest exchanges come a day after indirect talks between Washington and Tehran in the Sultanate of Oman ended without a breakthrough. The conflict erupted in late February, and while armed clashes subsided after a temporary cease-fire mediated by Pakistan on April 8, the new attacks have raised concerns that comprehensive fighting could resume.
Developments in Kuwait and Bahrain
Kuwait's state news agency KUNA reported that Iranian missiles and drones struck Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday morning, causing unspecified injuries, damaging airport facilities, and disrupting flights. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) assessed, however, that two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell or broke up in flight, while several other ballistic missiles missed their targets. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency earlier said that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missiles and drones targeting US helicopters stationed in a regional country, apparently referring to Kuwait.
According to Tasnim, the IRGC also fired missiles and drones at an air base and the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, where sirens warned residents of an attack. CENTCOM stated that it intercepted missiles targeting Bahrain and that no US personnel or assets were harmed in these attacks.
US Airstrikes on Qeshm Island
Just before Iran launched missiles at Kuwait and Bahrain, US forces struck a telecommunications tower on Iran's Qeshm Island, located in the Gulf and believed to house Iranian missiles in underground facilities. CENTCOM said US forces also shot down an Iranian drone targeting a civilian vessel in regional waters. Tehran reported that US forces attacked an Iranian oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room. Iranian media said the IRGC Navy targeted a vessel it identified as the 'Panaya' with missiles in retaliation for the attack on the tanker.
Who Struck First?
The US and Iran offer conflicting accounts. The Trump administration has made clear it will not allow Iranian oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Wednesday's escalation appeared to begin with a US airstrike on an Iranian tanker. Both sides agree Iran then tried to strike other vessels in the Gulf. The US says it shot down an Iranian drone, then struck Qeshm Island, after which Iran retaliated by attacking Kuwait and Bahrain.
Iran's Response
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the US attacks on Qeshm Island as a violation of the cease-fire. Iran argued that Kuwait and Bahrain bear 'direct and clear responsibility' for allowing their territory and facilities to be used to support US military operations against Iran. Tehran also reserved the right to self-defense and said it would use all available means to respond, including targeting the source of any future attacks. The IRGC warned: 'Disrupting the security of the Strait of Hormuz will cost the US military dearly.'
Diplomatic Situation
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told US lawmakers that the war was over, but Washington would only agree to ease sanctions if Iran abandons its nuclear activities. Iran is seeking access to billions of dollars from oil revenues, exemptions from crude oil exports, and the lifting of the US blockade on its ports. Iranian lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran might abandon talks and shift to confrontation if Israel continues to attack Lebanon.
Recent Escalating Attacks
After weeks of relative calm following the cease-fire, the US and Iran have intensified attacks in recent weeks. Over the weekend, CENTCOM conducted 'self-defense airstrikes' against Iranian radars and drones. On May 17, the Abu Dhabi government (UAE) confirmed that a drone attack caused a fire at a generator outside the Barakah nuclear plant, with no casualties and radiation levels remaining normal.
