Iran Retaliates Against US Attacks on Bases in Gulf Countries

The attacks launched by the US on Iran's coastal regions throughout the night escalated tensions in the region. Iran announced that it closed the Strait of Hormuz, stopping 4 US-backed ships, and that 2 oil tankers exploded in mined waters. It was reported that bridges and tunnels were targeted in the attacks, and an American unmanned aerial vehicle was downed in the skies over Bushehr.

As part of the retaliation, the Iran Revolutionary Guards targeted US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait were struck by unmanned aerial vehicles, while it was claimed that the US's artificial intelligence-supported targeting center in Bahrain was destroyed. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed that soldiers were injured and material damage occurred in these attacks directed at military and civilian facilities.

The ongoing conflicts in the Gulf create a major security concern in terms of energy and trade routes. The Iranian administration emphasized that oil and natural gas exports from the region will not be allowed until US attacks cease. The developments increase the risk of the military conflict between Washington and Tehran expanding across the Middle East.