Bahrain and Kuwait Launch First Covert Airstrikes on Iran Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Bahrain and Kuwait conducted their first covert airstrikes on Iran earlier this month, targeting missile and drone storage facilities along with other military sites. The attacks were a direct response to ongoing Iranian missile and drone strikes on their territories. The United Arab Emirates provided intelligence and air defense support for these operations.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a security alert urging citizens to exercise caution due to potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and other disruptions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that Tehran will not yield to pressure or accept a temporary ceasefire unless its demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz are met. He emphasized Iran's readiness to continue its campaign until its objectives are achieved.

Reports from Reuters indicate that Pakistan and Iran are exploring new talks with the U.S., facilitated by China, aiming to reduce regional hostilities. Chinese officials expressed support for mediation efforts and stressed their commitment to restoring peace in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, Iranian military commander Ali Abdollahi warned of retaliatory strikes against U.S. forces for any Iranian civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a lengthy security meeting assessing the situation, with Israel preparing for all possible scenarios, including direct conflict.

The U.S. military launched a 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets following President Donald Trump's announcement of considering a "massive" attack on Iran. Trump also declared that any damage to ships would be compensated using Iranian funds seized by the U.S. Iran condemned this as a dangerous precedent and warned of ensuing chaos. Iranian officials indicated readiness to escalate the conflict regionally, including potential attacks on Tel Aviv and urging Houthi rebels to block the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical maritime route.

The intensifying cycle of attacks involves U.S. strikes on Iranian military and civilian infrastructure and Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Gulf states and Jordan, alongside disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. enforcement of sanctions on Iranian ports.