Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones in the direction of Bahrain and Kuwait early on Saturday, reports say. Bahrain’s government confirmed the missiles were intercepted and urged Tehran to stop such actions, labeling them a “serious escalation.” The Iranian foreign ministry reported a U.S. attack on surveillance facilities on Qeshm Island and near Sirik, areas claimed to secure navigation in international waters. Iran called this action a breach of the fragile ceasefire.
These developments occur as the Trump administration pressures Iran to negotiate a resolution to the ongoing conflict, which has impacted the global economy and threatened food security in vulnerable regions. Iran stated that its target was U.S. military forces.
The U.S. military announced it had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones aimed at the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf Arab allies. In retaliation, it struck some of Iran’s coastal radar sites. U.S. Central Command labeled the drones a threat to maritime traffic and confirmed hitting radar installations on an island in the strait to prevent further attacks.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for targeting the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait and the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain. However, there were no reported injuries to U.S. personnel.
Earlier in the week, Iranian drones heavily damaged a terminal at Kuwait’s main airport, resulting in one death and several injuries. In response, the U.S. maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, as Iran continues to exert control over a vital corridor for oil and natural gas. This struggle has contributed to rising energy prices, creating political challenges for President Trump ahead of midterm elections.
Despite concerns about the ceasefire deteriorating, Trump expressed optimism, stating the situation is “going quite well” and predicting a swift resolution. He suggested that the resolution could either be diplomatic or involve further action.
Negotiators from both nations tentatively agreed to extend the ceasefire by 60 days to facilitate new nuclear talks, but changes requested by Trump and Iran’s non-commitment to the deal pose obstacles.
The conflict extends beyond Iran, as ongoing fighting in Lebanon complicates the situation. Israeli forces have seized parts of southern Lebanon, targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. Iran demands that any truce include Lebanon, while the Trump administration has praised a Lebanese-Israeli ceasefire, despite Hezbollah’s rejection. Recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of nine people, including three Lebanese military members. Israel’s military said it is reviewing the incident, emphasizing that its operations target Hezbollah, not the Lebanese army.