Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on US Bases in Kuwait
The Iranian military has once again attacked several United States military bases in the Middle East, including US military facilities in Kuwait, on Thursday (3/9). The attack occurred after US President Donald Trump issued a warning that Washington is prepared to launch new strikes against Iran at any time.
The latest attacks expand the scope of the conflict. In addition to Kuwait, Iran also targeted US military objectives in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Iraq, and the Kurdistan region of Iraq.
The Kuwaiti military stated that its air defences are attempting to intercept missiles and drones launched from Iran. Iranian state television confirmed the attacks, identifying the US base in Kuwait as a target. Tehran stated the strikes were carried out in retaliation for United States attacks on Iranian territory and the resulting civilian casualties.
Tensions are also closely linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran maintains effective control over the waterway, while the United States is attempting to implement a counter-blockade against Iranian ports. “Iran has implemented a new strategy in this war that will destroy your foundations,” said Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei.
The latest round of fighting began when the United States launched strikes against Iranian targets last Sunday. This was the first such strike in several weeks. Washington’s objective was to prevent Iran from deploying sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran acknowledged that the strikes caused casualties and subsequently retaliated by targeting American forces in Jordan and the UAE.
Amidst this escalation, two oil tankers were also hit by attacks from unknown perpetrators. A Saudi Arabian shipping company reported that two Filipino sailors died in one of the incidents.
Washington is not only increasing military pressure. The US government also plans to tighten economic pressure on Iran through sanctions targeting countries and companies that continue to trade with Tehran.
US strikes were also reported to have hit a wedding venue in the city of Kuhestak, in Iran’s southern coastal region. The Iranian Red Crescent stated that missile debris from the attack killed four people, including a child, and injured dozens more.
The United States military did not provide a direct explanation regarding the strike on the wedding venue. US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Tim Hawkins denied that the American military targeted civilians. “The United States military never targets civilians, unlike the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” said Hawkins.
The attacks have sparked outrage among Iranian officials. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, accused the United States of acting like a demon. “If a power acts like a demon, chooses targets like a demon, and kills like a demon, then that power is a demon,” said Ghalibaf.
Amidst the increasing attacks, some Iranian citizens have expressed concern over the ongoing conflict. Hossein Moazami, 50, a self-employed worker, said the situation is deeply distressing. “I hope both sides return to the negotiating table because the Iranian people suffer the most from this conflict. America is on the other side of the world and does not feel the impact as we do,” he said.
The Deputy Governor of Hormozgan, Ahmad Nafisi, noted that the number of casualties from US attacks in his region has surged to 68 people.
Furthermore, the IRGC stated that it conducted coordinated missile and drone attacks against US bases in Erbil, in the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq. On the night before 18 June, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum to ensure an end to the conflict that began on 28 February.
The IRGC also claimed to have damaged two US helicopters and attacked military personnel centres, resulting in fatalities. The Iranian military has also reportedly shot down an American MQ-9 drone.