Gulf Arab Ministers Condemn Iranian Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, Urge Immediate Halt
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 10
Gulf Arab Ministers Condemn Iranian Attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, Urge Immediate Halt
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 10
Summary
Bahrain hosted Gulf Arab foreign ministers on Wednesday as they denounced a new wave of Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait and warned the assaults were undermining any chance of rebuilding ties.
Bahrain’s military said it intercepted and destroyed an unspecified number of Iranian missiles and drones, while Kuwait’s army said it was intercepting hostile aerial projectiles and its foreign ministry later condemned repeated attacks.
Iran said Gulf states must stop U.S. strikes on Iran from their territory and warned it would target the bases from which it is attacked, linking the attacks to its self-defense claims.
The strikes have continued despite a shaky cease-fire that began in April, raising pressure on Gulf states that host major U.S. military bases and largely deny allowing attacks on Iran from their soil.
The ministers blamed Iran fully and demanded a complete halt to attacks on Gulf countries, their interests and citizens, while saying the door to understanding remains open.
As Iran exploits internal divisions, can the fractured Gulf states unite to prevent a full-blown regional war?
As cheap drones overwhelm expensive defenses, are Gulf nations losing the battle to protect their critical infrastructure?
With the Strait of Hormuz closed and oil prices soaring, is the world stumbling toward a global economic crisis?
June 2026 Gulf Escalation: Iran’s Missile and Drone Strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait and Their Regional Impact
Overview
In early June 2026, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, openly claiming responsibility and targeting key U.S. military sites, including the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain. These strikes followed the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, with tensions heightened by President Trump’s claim that Iran had downed a U.S. helicopter. Sirens sounded in Bahrain as the attacks unfolded, but Bahraini and U.S. forces responded with strong interception efforts, successfully defending against the threats. This escalation marked a significant deterioration in regional stability and U.S.-Iran relations.