Iran strikes US bases in Kuwait as West Asia conflict escalates
- Iran targeted US military bases in Kuwait with missile strikes
- US launched airstrikes to 'swiftly punish' Iran after two soldiers killed in Jordan
- Tehran claimed the US struck an under-construction nuclear power plant
- Iran vowed to teach 'unforgettable lessons' in response to US strikes
Iran targets US bases in Kuwait
Iran launched missile strikes at American military installations in Kuwait on Sunday, marking a significant escalation in the West Asia conflict. The attack came hours after the US carried out a fresh round of airstrikes against Iranian positions.
Tehran said the operation was retaliation for what it called an American strike on an under-construction nuclear power plant. The US has not confirmed hitting any nuclear facility.
US vows swift punishment
The Pentagon described the Iranian missile attack as a direct provocation. Washington had earlier warned it would respond forcefully to any act of aggression.
The strikes follow the killing of two US soldiers in Jordan earlier this week. The US blamed Iran-backed militias for that attack and launched airstrikes to 'swiftly punish' Tehran. US officials said the strikes targeted command centres and weapons storage sites used by Iranian forces.
Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the US response, calling it a violation of international law. Tehran's top military commander warned that the Islamic Republic would teach 'unforgettable lessons' to its adversaries.
Regional fallout
The exchange of fire has raised fears of a broader war in the region. Kuwait, a key US ally, has not yet commented on the missile strikes on its soil. The country hosts thousands of American troops at several bases.
Other Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have called for restraint. Analysts say the situation risks spiralling into a direct US-Iran confrontation, something both sides have avoided for decades.
Oil prices surged on Sunday morning, with benchmark Brent crude crossing $90 a barrel for the first time since 2023. Markets are bracing for further disruption if the conflict widens.
What happens next
Diplomatic channels remain open, but no immediate ceasefire talks have been announced. The UN Security Council is expected to hold an emergency session in the coming hours. All eyes are now on whether Tehran will launch another wave of strikes or if Washington will order ground operations.