Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain on July 9, 2026, according to statements from the IRGC and the Bahraini Ministry of Interior. This retaliation follows a U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operation that struck approximately 90 Iranian military targets on July 8.
Why are U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain being targeted?
The IRGC stated via the state-run IRIB television network that the strikes targeted “infrastructure and facilities” at the Arifjan and Ali Al Salem bases in Kuwait, as well as the Juffair and Sheikh Isa bases in Bahrain. These actions were a direct response to U.S. strikes on Iranian soil.
CENTCOM reported that its July 8 operation hit 90 targets, including coastal reconnaissance assets, drone and missile storage sites, and naval capabilities. The U.S. military stated the goal was to “weaken Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping and innocent civilian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz.”
What happened during the attacks in Kuwait and Bahrain?
In Kuwait, the KUNA News Agency reported that air raid sirens were activated nationwide on July 9. The Kuwaiti military confirmed via social media platform X that its air defense systems intercepted “missile and drone attacks,” which caused a series of explosions across different regions.
The Bahraini Ministry of Interior also confirmed that air raid sirens sounded across the country. Officials urged citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe locations via a public statement.
Comparison of Military Actions
| Action by U.S. (CENTCOM) | Action by Iran (IRGC) |
|---|---|
| Struck ~90 military targets in Iran | Launched drones/missiles at Kuwait & Bahrain bases |
| Targeted air defense and logistics | Targeted Arifjan, Ali Al Salem, Juffair, and Sheikh Isa |
| Goal: Protect shipping in Strait of Hormuz | Goal: Retaliation for U.S. strikes |
What happens next for regional security?
The IRGC warned that retaliatory measures will expand to other bases across the Gulf region if the U.S. continues its offensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bases were attacked?
According to the IRGC, the attacks targeted the Arifjan and Ali Al Salem bases in Kuwait, and the Juffair and Sheikh Isa bases in Bahrain.
Why did the U.S. attack Iran first?
CENTCOM stated the strikes were intended to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian sailors in the Strait of Hormuz.
Were there casualties in Kuwait?
The Kuwaiti military reported that explosions heard across the country were the result of air defense systems intercepting hostile attacks; no specific casualty figures were provided in the reports.
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