Irantargets military sites in Bahrain,Kuwait after wave of US strikes

Published: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 5:25 am

Iran Retaliates with Strikes on US Military Sites Following US Attacks

In a significant escalation of tensions, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Wednesday they had targeted U.S. military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. This action followed a series of U.S. airstrikes on Iran, which were reportedly in retaliation for attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that a joint missile and drone operation was conducted against key U.S. military sites, including Bandar Salman, Bahrain's Fifth Naval District, and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The corps also claimed to have intercepted a U.S. MQ9 drone that was allegedly attempting to interfere with the operation. Air raid sirens were heard in Bahrain and Kuwait, with the Kuwaiti army confirming that its air defenses were engaged with hostile missile and drone attacks.

Earlier, the United States had launched fresh military strikes and revoked a license that permitted Iran to sell oil. This move by the U.S. Central Command targeted more than 60 small boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, aiming to impose significant consequences on Iran for what the U.S. described as strikes on shipping that violated a cease-fire agreement. CENTCOM characterized the Iranian actions as an "unwarranted aggression" and a "clear and dangerous violation of the cease-fire" that undermines freedom of navigation.

Iran's top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, condemned the U.S. strikes as an act of aggression and threatened a severe response, warning against any U.S. interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. A senior Iranian negotiator and parliament speaker accused the U.S. of breaching the cease-fire, citing not only the recent military strikes but also renewed oil sanctions, alleged violations of Iranian adjustments in the Strait of Hormuz, and Israeli attacks against Lebanon.

Reports from Iranian media indicated explosions in Iran's primary oil hub on Kharg Island, as well as on Qeshm Island and in the southern port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas. While CENTCOM did not confirm strikes on Kharg Island, a U.S. official stated that targets included Iranian air defense systems, coastal surveillance systems, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drone launch sites. No civilian deaths were reported in Iran, though some individuals were reportedly injured by shrapnel in Sirik.

These events represent a renewed threat to a fragile cease-fire agreement established last month, which aimed to pause a conflict initiated by U.S. and Israeli strikes. The U.S. decision to withdraw the oil sales concession has been seen as a significant blow to this agreement, leading to a more than 3% rise in oil prices. Analysts suggest that Iran leverages attacks on shipping to underscore its influence during negotiations for a long-term peace deal.

The interim agreement had allowed Iran to sell oil through August 21, but the revocation of this license requires Iran to wind down transactions by July 17. Iran's foreign ministry condemned this move as a breach of the framework agreement and stated that Tehran would take necessary measures to safeguard its interests. While Iran denied responsibility for recent ship attacks, Qatar attributed an attack on a liquefied natural gas tanker to Iran.

The U.S. strikes occurred amidst national mourning for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed along with family members on the first day of the conflict. The cease-fire was intended to provide a 60-day window for negotiations, but indirect talks have shown no progress.

BNN's Perspective: The recent exchange of military actions between Iran and the United States, coupled with the revocation of oil sanctions, highlights the precarious nature of the current cease-fire. While both sides accuse the other of violations, the underlying geopolitical tensions and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz continue to fuel instability. A moderate approach focused on de-escalation and sustained diplomatic engagement is crucial to prevent further escalation and to foster a path towards lasting peace in the region.

Tags: Iran, US, military strikes, Bahrain, Kuwait, Revolutionary Guards, Strait of Hormuz, tankers, cease-fire, oil sanctions, drone, air defense, CENTCOM, negotiations, peace deal

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