Iran war day 121: Iran attacks Bahrain, Kuwait as US strikes near Hormuz

On June 28, 2026, the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States entered its 121st day, marked by intensified military exchanges and rising regional tensions. In a coordinated series of actions, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain, specifically the Ali Al Salem Air Base and the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters. These strikes came in direct response to U.S. airstrikes conducted over two consecutive days, which targeted several coastal areas in Iran, including Sirik, Bandar-e Lengeh, and Qeshm Island. The U.S. strikes followed a reported drone attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil trade.

Across the Gulf, the effects of these military maneuvers were immediately felt. In Bahrain, air raid sirens were activated, prompting residents to seek shelter in designated safe zones. Meanwhile, Kuwait's air defense systems were engaged in response to perceived hostile missile and drone threats. Despite the heightened activity, a U.S. official confirmed that no American casualties had been reported and that there was no indication of significant damage to infrastructure. However, the incident underscored the growing volatility in the region, where both sides appear determined to assert their strategic positions.

Tehran-based political analyst Abas Aslani emphasized that Iran perceives the Strait of Hormuz as a crucial lever to deter further U.S. aggression. According to Aslani, any attempt to alter the status quo in the strait through force is deemed unacceptable by the Iranian leadership. This sentiment aligns with the statements made by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which claimed responsibility for the attacks on U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, framing them as retaliatory measures against the recent U.S. strikes.

Regional responses to the developments were swift and unified. Oman joined neighboring Gulf states in condemning the Iranian drone attack on Bahrain, expressing full solidarity with the kingdom and opposing any actions that jeopardize regional stability. Similarly, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates all voiced their disapproval of the attack, highlighting the broader concern among Gulf nations regarding the potential for further escalation.

In Washington, D.C., the White House signaled a more resolute stance toward Iran. Reports indicated that President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. might be compelled to "complete the job" if Iran continued its attacks, raising fears of further militarization of the conflict. Retired U.S. naval officer Harlan Ullman cautioned that the ongoing cycle of retaliation between the U.S. and Iran risks spiraling into uncontrolled escalation. He noted that the resulting surge in oil prices could influence Trump's decision-making process, potentially pushing him back toward diplomatic negotiations.

Domestically, criticism of the U.S. military actions emerged from within Congress. Democratic Representative Ro Khanna accused the administration of violating the War Powers Resolution, asserting that the renewed attacks on Iran constituted a clear breach of legislative constraints. He warned that if Trump did not halt the conflict, legal action could be pursued against him.

Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed a newly signed U.S.-brokered framework agreement with Lebanon as a historic achievement, describing it as a significant setback for Iran and Hezbollah. The agreement aimed to bring an end to hostilities in southern Lebanon while allowing Israel to maintain a security buffer until Hezbollah is disarmed. However, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the deal, arguing that it inadvertently provides Hezbollah with a lifeline and advocating instead for a more aggressive approach against the group.

Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, expressed hope that the U.S. would ensure compliance with the agreement and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. President Donald Trump reportedly extended his congratulations to Aoun following the signing ceremony, pledging U.S. support for Lebanon’s economic and military capabilities.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community remains closely watchful, with many observers anticipating further developments that could either de-escalate the situation or push it toward even greater instability. The interplay of military actions, geopolitical maneuvering, and internal political dynamics suggests that the coming days will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of the crisis.