Iran's armed forces announced on Thursday that they had launched a combined missile and drone assault targeting American military installations at Kuwait's Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base and the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. The operation was described as the latest phase of its "Saeqeh" campaign, aimed at striking enemy assets in the region.
Kuwaiti authorities confirmed they had come under Iranian missile and drone fire, stating that their air defense systems were actively engaging the incoming threats. Air raid sirens reportedly sounded across the country during the incident. While the attack was acknowledged, officials noted that claims regarding damage to US facilities have not yet been independently verified by American or Emirati sources.
In a strongly worded statement, Kuwait's foreign ministry condemned the assault as a violation of its sovereignty, warning that such actions jeopardize regional security and stability. Video footage broadcast by Kuwaiti media appeared to show interception efforts taking place throughout the night.
According to a statement from the Iranian army, the targets on Thursday included satellite communication systems, equipment storage depots, and fighter jet hangars at the Kuwaiti base, as well as personnel housing and radar installations at the UAE base. Tehran claimed that some communication infrastructure and hangars were damaged in the strike, reiterating its pledge to respond to recent US military actions against it.
While the fact of the Iranian attack and Kuwait's defensive response have been confirmed, there is currently no independent verification from the US, Kuwait, or the UAE regarding the specific targets hit, the degree of damage inflicted, or any potential casualties. Separately, there were unconfirmed reports of a residential building being damaged in a drone strike, but no new casualty figures for Kuwaiti soldiers or US personnel stationed there have been released.
This latest escalation follows a similar pattern of attacks on Gulf bases over the past several days. Just a day earlier, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had claimed responsibility for striking US command and housing facilities at Kuwait's Ali Al Salem Air Base, which was also met with defensive interceptions by Kuwaiti forces.
Escalation After Fresh US Strikes
The renewed direct exchanges mark a significant shift after a period of relative quiet. The US Central Command had previously confirmed completing a new round of strikes against Iranian military objectives, focusing on air defense systems, radar, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communication links. Washington framed these actions as retaliation for Iranian attempts to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and threats against US personnel in the region.
Since then, Iran has launched successive missile and drone barrages against American bases across the Gulf and surrounding areas. Countries hosting US troops, including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, have all reported either being targeted or intercepting projectiles originating from Iran. Iran's health ministry reported that the recent US strikes have resulted in multiple deaths and over a hundred injuries, while Washington continues to investigate potential civilian casualties from its operations. Analysis of public imagery by Reuters suggested a wedding attack in southern Iran on September 1 was likely linked to a direct hit by US munitions.
Oil Markets Feel the Heat from Hormuz Tensions
The resumption of hostilities has intensified concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments. Although shipping continues, transit volumes remain significantly below normal following a series of attacks on tankers and military actions. The heightened risk of supply disruption pushed international oil prices to a roughly six-week high on Thursday, with both Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate seeing gains before slightly paring them back.
The key question for markets now is whether this latest Iranian strike on US assets in Kuwait and the UAE will provoke a further American military response. In the near term, the security situation at Gulf bases and the operational status of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will be the primary indicators to watch for signs of further escalation.