Tehran: Tensions in the Middle East escalated further after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for fresh strikes targeting US military assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, warning that more drone and missile attacks could follow. The latest exchange comes as the United States intensified its military campaign against Iran, marking the 10th consecutive night of strikes amid the ongoing conflict centred around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Iran claims attacks on US military facilities
According to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, the IRGC said it targeted two air defence systems and a radar installation at separate military sites in Bahrain. In Kuwait, the group claimed it struck missile defence systems, radar facilities and satellite reception systems.
In a statement, the IRGC described the attacks as retaliation for continued US airstrikes on Iranian territory. It also warned that the latest operation marked the beginning of a more aggressive phase in the conflict.
“The enemy should prepare for even more decisive and powerful waves of drone and missile attacks,” the IRGC said, signalling that further military action could follow.
However, independent verification of the extent of the claimed damage was not immediately available.
US continues military operations
The latest developments follow an announcement by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which confirmed that American forces had carried out their 10th consecutive night of military strikes against Iran.
According to CENTCOM, the latest operations targeted Iranian military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, maritime capabilities and air defence systems. The US said the objective was to reduce Iran’s ability to launch attacks on commercial shipping and military assets operating around the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway remains one of the world’s most critical energy routes, with nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments passing through it. Continued hostilities in the region have raised concerns about global energy supplies and international shipping.
Rising casualties deepen conflict
The renewed US offensive follows the death of another American service member during recent Iranian attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain. According to US officials, the latest casualty brings the total number of American military personnel killed during the conflict to 17.
Responding to the incident, US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran through a post on Truth Social.
“Every time Iran kills an American Soldier they will pay for that killing many times over!” Trump wrote, signalling that Washington intends to continue its military response.
The exchange of strikes has significantly raised fears of a broader regional conflict involving multiple countries across the Middle East.
Pakistan steps up diplomatic efforts
Even as military action intensified, diplomatic efforts continued to prevent further escalation.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for high-level meetings with Pakistan’s political and military leadership. According to reports, he is expected to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation while supporting Islamabad’s efforts to mediate between Tehran and Washington amid the growing crisis.
Diplomatic initiatives have gained urgency after a preliminary US-Iran agreement reached last month reportedly collapsed following attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent US military retaliation.
Regional tensions remain high
The latest exchange highlights the rapid deterioration of security in the Gulf region, with both sides continuing military operations while diplomatic channels remain under strain. Markets are also closely watching developments due to the potential impact on global oil supplies and international trade routes.
As Iran warns of further attacks and the United States continues its military campaign, international efforts to de-escalate the conflict are expected to intensify in the coming days.