Middle East tensions rise as Iran, Kuwait, and Bahrain face conflict

US Launches Strikes on Qeshm Island Amid Tensions with Iran

The United States launched airstrikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, a strategic location in the Gulf, in response to recent attacks by Iranian forces on Bahrain and Kuwait. The strikes occurred just hours after Iranian missiles and drones hit the international airport in Kuwait and damaged facilities.

According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), two Iranian missiles shot at Kuwait fell short or broke apart in flight, while several ballistic missiles failed to reach their targets. In contrast, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had launched missiles and drones at US helicopters stationed in a regional country.

The US military also downed Iranian drones targeting civilian ships in regional waters. Tehran claimed that US forces struck an Iranian oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room. The IRGC’s navy reportedly targeted a vessel identified as “Panaya” with missiles in response to the attack on the Iranian tanker.

Iranian media reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that the war between Iran and the US is over. However, this statement was disputed by Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. Rubio stated that Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive and becoming “increasingly engaged” in negotiations with Washington.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US attacks on Qeshm Island as a violation of the ceasefire. It alleged that Kuwait and Bahrain bore “direct and clear responsibility” for the attacks, claiming their territory and facilities had been used to support US military operations against Iran. The Iranian government reserved the right to self-defence and vowed to use all available means to respond, including targeting the source of any future attacks.

The situation remains tense in the Gulf, with fears that full-scale fighting could resume. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Tehran and Washington are ongoing, but a resolution appears to be elusive.

Source: Al Jazeera