Iran Strikes Kuwait and Bahrain After US Attacks, Middle East Tensions Explode (June 28, 2026)

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the US-Iran deal faces significant strain following recent Iran Strikes Kuwait and Bahrain, which have drawn strong condemnations from Kuwait and Bahrain. These developments highlight the fragile nature of the diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, as regional allies react to perceived threats. The strikes have further complicated relations, raising concerns about the potential for wider conflict in the region, and signaling a potential setback in diplomatic negotiations aimed at securing stability and peace among involved parties.

Iran has intensified military actions against Bahrain and Kuwait following a U.S. strike on five Iranian targets, heightening tensions and jeopardizing a recent ceasefire established earlier this month. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the initiation of these attacks on Sunday, which involved launching ballistic missiles and drones targeting the U.S. Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait along with the U.S. Fifth Naval Fleet stationed at Port Salman in Bahrain.

Bahrain condemned recent attacks, asserting they breached its sovereignty and hindered potential for de-escalation and stability within the region. Kuwait echoed this sentiment, labeling the “repeated heinous Iranian aggressions” as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty. In a military response, the US launched strikes on Iran’s Sirik, Bandar-e Lengeh, and Qeshm Island, targeting 10 Iranian military sites near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This action was prompted by an Iranian drone attack on the Panama-flagged Kiku oil tanker, which was transporting over two million barrels of crude oil at the time of the incident early Saturday. According to Britain’s UKMTO maritime security agency, the tanker suffered damage to its bridge; however, all crew members were reported safe.

Iran Strikes Kuwait and Bahrain After US Military Action

Bahrain and Kuwait experienced renewed Iranian attacks early Sunday, as Iran Strikes Kuwait and Bahrain became a major regional development shortly after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced airstrikes targeting multiple sites in Iran These strikes were a response to ongoing Iranian aggression towards commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump commented on the situation via Truth Social, highlighting that U.S. aircraft had successfully struck Iranian missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar locations, for breaching the Cease Fire Agreement. He expressed frustration at Iranian intransigence, suggesting that the U.S. might have to resort to military measures to ensure the completion of its objectives against Iran, stating that “the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist” if escalation becomes necessary. CENTCOM confirmed that U.S. fighter jets targeted ten military sites across various locations in Iran as part of these operations.

Iran was accused of violating a ceasefire agreement following a one-way drone attack on a Panama-flagged vessel, which escalated tensions in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) subsequently announced that it had targeted U.S. military infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain with missiles and drones, warning that American bases would face severe consequences in the days to come.

In response, Bahrain reported damage to a residential building due to overnight attacks but confirmed no casualties. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Iranian aggression and asserted its right to self-defense. They characterized these assaults as part of a systematic pattern of hostility aimed at undermining Bahrain’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.

Kuwait’s military also reported that its air defenses successfully intercepted two ballistic missiles from Iran, resulting in no damage. The renewed cycle of attacks arose from disputes concerning shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage. Despite earlier commitments by Tehran to reopen the waterway, Iran has insisted that vessels adhere to a specified route near its coastline. Many shipping companies, however, are opting to navigate through waters administered by the United Arab Emirates and Oman, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding maritime navigation rights in the region.

Strait of Hormuz

The weekend’s escalation in tensions follows the US airstrike on Iran, triggered by a drone attack on the Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely, which occurred on Thursday near the Strait of Hormuz. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported from the drone incident. In retaliation for the US strikes, Iran targeted US military locations and asserted that vessels transiting the strait must adhere to designated routes; failure to comply would be seen as a breach of the ceasefire agreement established on June 17.

In response to the increasing hostility, the International Maritime Organization suspended the evacuation of ships stranded in the strait post-attack. US President Donald Trump emphasized that Iran’s actions were a violation of the ceasefire and warned of possible military escalation, stating, “If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist.”

Iran condemned the US strikes on its facilities, describing them as “brutal attacks” that contravene both the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the United Nations charter. Tehran accused the US of disregarding its commitments and vowed to defend its sovereignty against perceived military aggression.

On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Iran maintains comprehensive control over the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days and cautioned against interference from other parties, which could exacerbate tensions and delay the reopening of the strait. He urged all involved parties to honor the MoU to avoid an escalation of the situation.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the United States and Iran has resulted in the extension of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict that initiated following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. This agreement grants both parties a period of 60 days to engage in negotiations aimed at concluding the hostilities.

Access to the Strait of Hormuz is crucial according to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), particularly emphasized during the war when Iran blocked this vital waterway, affecting approximately 20% of global oil shipments and instigating an energy crisis worldwide. Article 5 of the MoU outlines Iran’s commitment to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the strait, with arrangements to be made in the subsequent 60 days

. Furthermore, it mandates discussions among Iran, Oman, and other Gulf states regarding the future governance of the strait. Defense analyst Wolfgang Pusztai highlighted that while neither the United States nor Iran seeks escalation, unintended conflicts remain a significant risk. He warned that incidents, such as strikes on residential areas or major casualties among civilians and American forces, could rapidly spiral out of control.