Iran Strikes US Bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, Threatens Hormuz Blockade

Iran launched ballistic missile attacks on US military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain on Saturday, warning it will completely close the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial global energy route—in the event of further aggression.

According to Al Jazeera, the escalation began early Saturday when four unauthorized oil tankers attempted to exit the Strait of Hormuz at around 1:30 a.m. local time. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that when the vessels ignored naval warnings, Iranian forces attacked and stopped one tanker, prompting the other three to turn back.

Within hours, US drones retaliated by targeting two IRGC telecommunications towers on Qeshm and Sirik islands at approximately 2:00 a.m.

In an immediate counter-response, Iran’s Aerospace Force fired ballistic missiles at the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.

The IRGC issued a severe warning that any further aggressive activities will result in an "unlimited response." Tehran stated that if it is forced to completely close the Strait of Hormuz, the US-Israeli alliance will bear full responsibility for the consequences.