Iran on Wednesday warned Kuwait and Bahrain after accusing the United States of launching attacks on Qeshm Island and in the Strait of Hormuz. The development matters because it threatens to widen regional tensions despite an existing ceasefire. Gulf states, the United States, and Iran could all be affected by any further escalation.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned what it described as US attacks on an Iranian tanker and a telecommunications mast on Qeshm Island. Tehran alleged that the operations originated from facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iranian officials argued that allowing foreign forces to use territory for attacks constitutes participation in aggression against Iran.
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The ministry said the strikes violated the ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the United States, as well as international law. It also stressed that the leaderships of Kuwait and Bahrain bear responsibility if their territory was used to facilitate military action. Tehran warned that it reserves the right to respond against the sources of any future attacks.
Meanwhile, Kuwait and Bahrain reported separate security incidents on Wednesday. Kuwaiti authorities said drones struck Kuwait International Airport, injuring several people and causing significant damage. Bahraini military officials stated that air defences intercepted multiple drones and blamed Iran for the attempted attacks.
Read more: Iran US tensions rise after Gulf attacks
The latest accusations came as diplomatic uncertainty continued over US-Iran negotiations. Earlier, the US military said it had conducted what it described as self-defence strikes following renewed Iranian missile attacks in the region. Despite conflicting statements from both sides, President Donald Trump has maintained that talks with Iran remain ongoing, while warning that military options are still available if diplomacy fails.