Kuwait, Bahrain Launch First Fighter-Jet Strikes in Iran as U.S. Hits for 13th Night
Updated
Updated · Ynetnews · Jul 24
Kuwait, Bahrain Launch First Fighter-Jet Strikes in Iran as U.S. Hits for 13th Night
3 articles · Updated · Ynetnews · Jul 24
Summary
Kuwait and Bahrain secretly struck targets inside Iran earlier this month—their first retaliatory fighter-jet attacks after repeated Iranian fire on their territories, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The raids hit missile and drone storage sites and other military facilities, with the United Arab Emirates providing intelligence and air-defense support.
Iran signaled no retreat: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would not accept a temporary ceasefire unless its demands over the Strait of Hormuz were met, while a senior commander threatened U.S. troops.
The disclosure came as the U.S. launched strikes on Iran for a 13th straight night and mediators backed by Pakistan and China explored a path to new talks with Washington.
Israeli officials are preparing for wider escalation, and U.S. warnings to citizens in Israel highlighted risks of flight cancellations, airspace closures and broader regional disruption.
Will Bahrain and Kuwait's unprecedented secret airstrikes trigger a devastating full-scale retaliation from Tehran?
Could Israel's covert deployment of missile defenses to the UAE permanently alter the Middle East's balance of power?
How long can global supply chains survive the escalating shipping blockade in the Strait of Hormuz?
The July 2026 Gulf-Iran Escalation: Arab Airstrikes, U.S. Intervention, and the Global Fallout from the Strait of Hormuz Blockade
Overview
The July 2026 Gulf crisis began with the U.S. and Israel assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, which led to Mojtaba Khamenei taking power and Iran launching massive missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. These strikes caused severe damage to Gulf states’ infrastructure, prompting Pakistan and Qatar to mediate a temporary ceasefire. However, hardliners in Iran sabotaged peace by attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, leading the U.S. to end the ceasefire. Iran then struck Kuwait and Bahrain, who responded with historic airstrikes on Iran, supported by UAE intelligence. The closure of Hormuz triggered a global energy crisis and deepened regional instability.