Kuwait and Bahrain launch air strikes on Iran: Report Bahrain and Kuwait sent warplanes to attack Iran in retaliation for strikes on their countries, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. The two Gulf states targeted drone and missile-storage depots, with the UAE providing them with intelligence and “defensive air cover” for the operations, the report said. Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia conducted strikes on Iran in the early days of the war.
Abu Dhabi took a more muscular stance, launching dozens of attacks on the Islamic Republic as it came under intense missile and drone strikes. Bahrain and Kuwait’s entry into the war would mark a broadening of the conflict. The two Gulf states have come under the most intense Iranian attacks in recent weeks, as fighting again escalates in the region.
Tehran says any facility or base in the Middle East used by the US military to launch attacks on Iran is a legitimate target for retaliation. Kuwait and Bahrain launch air strikes on Iran: Report Submitted by MEE staff on Fri, 07/24/2026 - 19:45 Gulf states recently pummelled by Iran have used fighter jets to bomb military assets with support from the UAE President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, left, and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa view a military equipment exhibit during the UAE and Bahrain joint military exercise titled 'Rabdan-Shuwaiman', in Manama, on 22 November 2025 (UAE Presidential Court/AFP/Handout) Off Bahrain and Kuwait sent warplanes to attack Iran in retaliation for strikes on their countries, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. Both countries are relatively small military players compared to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, although Bahrain has been investing more in its defence sector.
It established diplomatic relations with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Iran has hammered the two states as it eschews attacks on their richer and larger neighbours, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Kuwait and Bahrain are seen as especially vulnerable because of their geography and near-total reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports.
Bahrain is an island kingdom whose only land connection to the outside world is a causeway with Saudi Arabia. It sits at the northernmost tip of Hormuz and is flanked by Iraq. Regional officials say Kuwait has come under intense attack from both Iran and militia groups in Iraq allied with Tehran.
Kuwait’s foreign ministry said earlier this week that Iran attacked a power plant and water desalination facility. IRBIL, Iraq (AP) — Iran targeted American strongholds around the Persian Gulf on Friday, while the U.S. bombarded Iranian military sites as the rivals showed no sign of backing away from their conflict after a 13th straight night of strikes.With fighting flaring again and diplomacy appearing to sputter, both sides made moves suggesting an escalation was possible.
Summary from source