Kuwait and Bahrain Respond to Iranian Drone Attacks Amid Hormuz Strait Conflict

Tensions in the Gulf region have spiked again after Kuwait and Bahrain reported new aerial attacks from Iran on Thursday (16/7) local time. The attacks occurred amidst crossfire between Tehran and Washington over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The Kuwaiti military stated it was responding to a new wave of drone attacks and openly blamed Iranian aggression. An AFP journalist in Kuwait City reported hearing explosions near the capital of the Gulf state. Earlier the same day, Kuwait and the island kingdom of Bahrain confirmed their air defence systems had handled a previous wave of Iranian attacks. Warning sirens were heard wailing in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. Iran claimed the attacks targeted several strategic points. Although Iran maintained it only struck US military assets in the region, both Bahrain and Kuwait accused the Islamic Republic of also targeting civilian locations. The two Gulf countries have faced repeated attacks from Iran since hostilities between Washington and Tehran resumed on 7 July. This escalation is deeply regrettable given a 60-day ceasefire agreement in June, which was initially hoped to end the war permanently and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The current level of hostilities has reached a point not seen since the 8 April ceasefire. The latest fighting was triggered by Iran targeting ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and gas exports from Gulf states.