Iranian missiles targeting Kuwait, Bahrain fail as U.S. strikes Iranian island

Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones toward Kuwait, Bahrain and civilian vessels in the Middle East, as U.S. forces struck targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island, according to the U.S. military. The Iranian missiles failed to hit their intended targets.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said U.S. forces “successfully defeated” multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones and carried out “self-defense” strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island, an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz.

Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart en route, according to CENTCOM. Three other missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahraini air defense forces.

CENTCOM said U.S. forces also shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners who were transiting regional waters.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) said its aerospace force had launched missile strikes on U.S. military bases in Kuwait, describing the attack as a response to U.S. strikes on Qeshm Island.

Kuwait’s military said shortly after midnight local time on Wednesday that its air defenses were “currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks,” adding that explosions heard in the country were caused by interceptions.

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry later warned residents not to approach or touch debris, shrapnel or unidentified objects that may have fallen after hostile aerial targets were intercepted. People were told to report any debris to emergency services and follow instructions from official sources.

In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry said sirens were sounded and urged citizens and residents to remain calm and go to the nearest safe place. Bahrain’s airspace was also closed.

No casualties have been confirmed in Kuwait or Bahrain.