Iran hits US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan after 10 nights of US attacks

What Happened

The US completed its tenth consecutive night of attacks on Iran, targeting military command centres, missile and drone launch sites, maritime capabilities, and air defence systems. In retaliation, Iran launched coordinated missile and drone strikes on US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. In Bahrain, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) destroyed a US air defence system and radar installations in Muharraq, and a Patriot system in Al-Riffa, while Iran’s army separately struck the Sheikh Isa military base. In Kuwait, the IRGC hit radar, telecommunications, satellite, and missile defence infrastructure at Ahmed Al-Jaber and Ali Al Salem airbases, and the army struck Camp Arifjan, Camp Al-Adiri, and Ahmed Al-Jaber. In Jordan, the IRGC destroyed a missile defence radar and an F-15 fighter jet in a shelter. Concurrently, Iranian forces attacked two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, causing massive fires, and declared the strait closed until US threats cease. The escalation follows the collapse of a 17 June memorandum of understanding that had temporarily halted hostilities, which US President Trump declared dead on 8 July, resuming US strikes and the naval blockade.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The direct Iranian strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan represent a significant expansion of the conflict beyond previous proxy exchanges, raising the risk of broader regional destabilisation. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on commercial tankers threaten global oil transit, already reflected in oil price volatility. The collapse of the ceasefire agreement and resumption of hostilities undermine diplomatic tracks, while growing US political pressure signals potential constraints on the administration’s military campaign.

Watch For

Monitor whether the US escalates air strikes further or shifts target sets in response to the base attacks. Watch for the outcome of the announced Senate vote on ending military operations, as well as any new mediation efforts hinted at in oil market reports. Assess Iran’s enforcement of the Strait of Hormuz closure and the status of the two attacked tankers. Note any additional Iranian strikes on regional US assets or responses from host nations Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.