Gulf tensions escalate as Iran hits Kuwait, US strikes near Hormuz
Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Kuwait’s airport and US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain on June 3, killing one and injuring over 60, while the US struck Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz after attempted attacks. Diplomacy remains stalled, with Iran warning against US 'overreach' and former President Trump claiming progress toward a deal, including a potential meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Gulf tensions surged on June 3 as Iran conducted missile and drone strikes targeting Kuwait International Airport, damaging facilities and diplomatic missions, with one fatality and over 60 injuries reported. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways resumed flights after safety assessments, while Bahrain’s military intercepted three missiles and drones aimed at the US Fifth Fleet headquarters and an unspecified regional airbase. The US military confirmed two Iranian missiles targeting Kuwait failed to reach their intended destinations, though multiple ballistic missiles missed regional targets. This marks the latest escalation since a shaky ceasefire was agreed in early April, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for targeting a vessel, the Panaya, in response to a US attack on an Iranian tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route handling a fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the conflict. Diplomatic efforts remain fragile, with Iran’s military adviser, Mohsen Rezaei, warning of further missile and drone retaliation against US aggression. Anwar Gargash, UAE’s diplomatic adviser, urged a unified Gulf response, stating the attacks threatened regional stability. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump suggested progress in negotiations, claiming Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons and hinting at a possible meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei if discussions advance. The US military reported downing drones targeting civilian ships and American forces in Kuwait, while conducting strikes on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media denied recent contact with Washington, contradicting Trump’s claims of ongoing talks. Despite last week’s tentative agreement to halt hostilities and reopen the strait, both sides have yet to formalize the deal, leaving unresolved disputes over nuclear programs and regional influence.
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