As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, reports indicate that Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar on July 9.
According to the Associated Press, the U.S. conducted additional airstrikes against Iran early that morning. In response, Iran initiated retaliatory strikes against the three Gulf nations.
Iranian military officials had warned the day before that they would hold the U.S. accountable as American airstrikes continued for a second day.
Details on the extent of damage in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar have not yet been reported. The Bahraini Foreign Ministry urged citizens and residents via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to remain calm and seek safety in nearby secure locations. The Kuwaiti Defense Ministry also stated that its air defense systems intercepted the missile and drone attacks.
Previously, the U.S. struck Iranian military and port facilities in southern Iran on July 7 after Iran attacked several commercial vessels near the coast of Oman. Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
President Donald Trump commented on Iran's attacks on vessels, indicating that the fragile ceasefire was effectively over and warning of a strong response.
U.S. airstrikes continued on July 8. Following the second day of strikes, Iranian military officials reiterated their intent to retaliate, targeting U.S. facilities in the Persian Gulf.
President Trump later posted videos on Truth Social, claiming they showed explosions in Iran, stating, "This is retaliation for the bombing of Iranian vessels yesterday." He added, "If this happens again, the situation will become much worse."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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