Iran Strikes US Bases in Gulf as It Threatens to Close Strategic Bab al-Mandab Strait
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
On June 20, 2023, Iran and the US exchanged missile strikes, with Iran targeting US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran threatened to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait via its Yemeni allies, escalating tensions and risking global energy routes.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Iran launched missile attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain amid ongoing US strikes in Iran.
- Iran threatened to use Houthi allies to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea.
- Yemeni officials warned of blocking Bab al-Mandab if Saudi attacks continue in Yemen.
- Iran reported US missile strikes on Qeshm Island, including near critical infrastructure.
- Kuwait intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, sounding air raid sirens.
- Bahrain experienced explosions after an Iranian attack on a US base there.
Clashes between Iran and the United States intensified on Tuesday with US airstrikes targeting multiple locations within Iran. In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched missile attacks on US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. For the first time, Iran threatened to deploy its so-called 'doomsday weapons' and signaled plans to use its Yemeni Houthi allies to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, a critical global energy shipping route.
This escalation follows Iran's recent disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Yemeni official warned that Yemen's military is prepared to block Bab al-Mandab if Saudi Arabia continues its attacks in Yemen. Middle East expert Fawaz Gerges told Reuters that the threat now extends beyond Hormuz to Bab al-Mandab, raising the risk of a new front against the US. Iran echoed this warning, stating that closing both straits could drive oil prices from around $70 to $200 per barrel.
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities reported that the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz was hit by at least five explosions caused by US missiles, including one near a water and electricity facility. Kuwait sounded air raid sirens as its air defense forces intercepted hostile missiles and drones launched from Iran. Later in the evening, Bahrain experienced loud explosions after Iran attacked a US base on its soil.
This ongoing exchange of attacks marks a significant escalation in the Iran-US conflict, threatening vital international energy corridors and regional stability. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue military actions and issue strategic warnings.
Mentioned
