Iran Retaliates Against Kuwait and Bahrain: "We Control the Strait of Hormuz"

As the United States and Iran engage in armed conflict over control of the Strait of Hormuz following the end of their memorandum of understanding (MOU), Iran launched fresh attacks on U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain on July 9, local time.

Following two consecutive days of U.S. airstrikes centered on southern Iran, the Iranian military has responded with counterattacks.

According to Reuters and AFP, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had struck two U.S. military bases in Kuwait and two in Bahrain earlier today.

The IRGC also warned of further escalations in its strikes.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament who leads the Iranian negotiating team, stated on state television, "If you strike us, you will be struck in the same manner," adding that "the Strait of Hormuz will only be reopened under Iranian control, not due to U.S. threats," as reported by RIA Novosti.

The Associated Press reported that air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain and Qatar, while missile alerts were also sounded in Kuwait.

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged citizens and residents via social media to "remain calm and stay in safe locations nearby."

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense stated that its air defense systems were intercepting enemy missile and drone attacks.

AFP reported that explosions were heard following the air raid sirens in Bahrain.

There have been no reports yet regarding specific damage from the airstrikes in Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar.

The Iranian military had previously warned of retaliation yesterday, vowing to hold the U.S. accountable after the U.S. military carried out airstrikes for the second consecutive day.

A military source told Iran's Nour News on July 8, "In addition to the engagement of the integrated air defense network against hostile targets, missile and drone units will launch a massive and comprehensive attack on terrorist U.S. bases in the Middle East within minutes."

The two sides have been exchanging fire for two days since the U.S. attacked several Iranian strongholds in the south on July 7, citing attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.