Iran fires missiles at Gulf states as US intercepts attack near Strait of Hormuz

US and Gulf forces thwarted Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait as tensions escalated across the region
Iran reportedly fired several rounds near the Strait of Hormuz, a move that may have been linked to the repositioning of US naval vessels (US Navy, Getty Images)
Iran reportedly fired several rounds near the Strait of Hormuz, a move that may have been linked to the repositioning of US naval vessels (US Navy, Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The United States intercepted a large wave of missiles and drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf region, according to US Central Command on Saturday, June 6. American forces also struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites after shooting down four attack drones that were operating in the area.

Iran reportedly fired several rounds near the Strait of Hormuz as a warning. The semi-official Mehr news agency said the move may have been linked to the repositioning of US naval vessels operating in the strategically vital waterway.

Fire and plumes of smoke rise from an oil facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Fire and plumes of smoke rise from an oil facility in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, March 14, 2026 (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Bahrain and Kuwait activate defenses after Iran attack

Air raid sirens sounded across Bahrain and Kuwait early Saturday as both countries responded to incoming missile and drone threats.

Bahrain said it successfully intercepted and destroyed three missiles and several drones launched from Iran. Residents were instructed to seek shelter overnight as warning sirens echoed across the kingdom.

The Bahraini Defense Force accused Tehran of continuing its "systematic aggression" through missile and drone attacks targeting civilians.

"The General Command affirms that all its weapons and units are at the highest levels of readiness and are fully prepared to defend the Kingdom," the military said, describing the attack as a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law."

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) firing a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy via AP)
This image provided by US Central Command shows the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S Churchill (DDG 81) firing a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 (US Navy via AP)

US Central Command confirms overnight attack

US Central Command said American forces also intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched toward Bahrain and Kuwait during the overnight assault.

The attacks mark one of the most significant direct Iranian military actions against Gulf states in recent months, reflecting growing regional instability amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Kuwait strongly condemned what it described as repeated Iranian attacks, saying the latest incident occurred on Saturday morning. 

In a statement, Kuwait's Foreign Ministry said the country reserves the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its national security and defend its territory.

"The State of Kuwait retains its full right to take all necessary measures to preserve its security and defend its territory," the ministry said.

Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit Qlaileh village, as it seen from the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit Qlaileh village, as seen from the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)

Lebanese general killed in Israeli strike

Separately, violence continued on another regional front as the Lebanese army announced that a general was among several soldiers killed in an Israeli strike on Saturday.

The announcement came a day after Lebanese state media reported that more than 20 people had been killed in Israeli attacks.

The strike highlights the widening security challenges facing the Middle East as multiple flashpoints remain active across the region.



President Donald Trump said that he’s “moving very fast” with the Iran war, despite his initial stated timeline. “I’m into three months, you know. Vietnam lasted 19 years. I’m into my third month,” he told NBC News.

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