Iran has continued to demonstrate an ability to target bases in the Gulf used by the US despite six months of war and a new sanctions regime described by the Trump administration as an “economic D-day”.
Iranian Missile and Drone Strikes Hit Bases in Kuwait and UAE
The Iranian military stated that its forces hit satellite communication systems, equipment depots, and fighter aircraft hangars at the Ahmad al-Jaber air base in Kuwait using missiles and drones, according to state television. Additionally, the location of forces and radar systems at the Al Minhad air base in the UAE were attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, according to the same military statement.
Kuwait’s ministry of defence confirmed on X that its air defences intercepted missile and drone attacks during a “blatant Iranian aggression”. These interceptions follow similar defensive actions reported by US allies Bahrain and Jordan, both of which intercepted several Iranian air attacks on Wednesday.
Escalating Military Confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz
The latest flare-up in the conflict comes amid little evidence that the Trump administration is succeeding in advancing its nebulous war aims either on the battlefield or via mediation, despite the US president’s repeated claims to have opened the strait of Hormuz to oil traffic.
Did you know? Traffic through the key maritime passageway remains far below prewar levels, with oil prices remaining stubbornly elevated ahead of US midterm elections. Oil prices jumped again on Thursday after the Iranian strikes.
Weapons Capabilities: The Kheibar Shekan Ballistic Missile
Among the weapons Iran has used this week is its Kheibar Shekan medium-range ballistic missile system. The cheap and accurate missile can be launched within minutes and has become a staple of Iranian strikes.
The rocket’s solid fuel motor means it does not require lengthy fuelling. It can be deployed very quickly to avoid detection and can be armed with a powered and steerable final stage to help beat anti-missile systems. Despite claims by the Trump administration that Tehran is running out of rockets, Iran continues to fire missiles that are considerably cheaper to produce than the US interceptors used to shoot them down.
Brig Gen Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that Iran’s missile capability has remained sustained and its missile production has continued, contrary to early assumptions by some that stockpiles would eventually be depleted as the war continued. Mohebbi’s characterisation of Iranian missile stockpiles could not be verified.
Economic Sanctions and Fears of Extreme Measures
The continued strikes came as Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said that while the new US economic sanctions appeared to be effective, the increased pressure could lead Tehran into extreme measures.
Speaking at a ceremony for defence ministry employees, Katz reiterated the threats against the Islamic Republic that he has made in recent months. “An Iranian attack on Israel will free Israel from any existing constraint,” Katz said, adding that Israel would strike all of Iran’s national military and civilian infrastructure – including energy infrastructure – and push Iran deep back into the stone age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US bases in the Gulf were recently targeted?
According to the Iranian military, the Ahmad al-Jaber air base in Kuwait and the Al Minhad air base in the UAE were targeted by missiles and drones.
What missile system is Iran using in recent strikes?
Iran has utilized its Kheibar Shekan medium-range ballistic missile system, which features a solid fuel motor for rapid deployment and can be armed with a powered and steerable final stage to help beat anti-missile systems.
How have regional allies responded to the attacks?
Kuwait’s ministry of defence said its air defences intercepted missile and drone attacks during a blatant Iranian aggression, following similar reports from US allies Bahrain and Jordan that their air defence systems intercepted several Iranian air attacks.
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