West Asia on Edge as US and Iran Exchange Attacks

West Asia has once again been shaken by rising tensions as the United States and Iran engaged in a series of missile and drone strikes, even as peace talks were underway. Iran targeted US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, including the Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the Isa Air Base in Bahrain. Loud explosions were reported across Kuwait early Wednesday, prompting the activation of air defense systems. According to Kuwait’s military, incoming missiles and drones were intercepted successfully. In Bahrain, sirens were sounded and authorities urged citizens to remain alert as the situation intensified.

The strikes came in response to earlier US attacks on Iranian military installations on Qeshm Island. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the attacks on US bases were a direct retaliation and warned of stronger responses to any aggression. It also claimed successful strikes on US naval headquarters in Bahrain, a claim denied by US Central Command, which said all Iranian attacks were thwarted. The US maintained that its actions were defensive and aimed at countering threats, adding that its forces remain fully prepared to respond to any escalation.