Tehran: Iran announced on Thursday that it targeted US military bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in retaliation for a US strike on a wedding party that resulted in casualties. The Iranian government claimed responsibility for the attacks, while US Vice President JD Vance indicated that the alleged wedding strike is under investigation.
According to France24.com, the recent escalation in hostilities adds to the ongoing tensions in the region, exacerbated by the six-month-long conflict. The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran's control, with the US continuing its blockade of Iranian ports. Kuwait's military reported intercepting a missile and drone attack from Iran, which had reportedly targeted the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base. Kuwait condemned the attack as a violation of international law. However, the UAE did not confirm any attacks on its Al Minhad Air Base.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that a missile strike on a wedding in the coastal town of Kuhestak earlier in the week resulted in four fatalities, including a child, and wounded over 50 people. JD Vance expressed skepticism regarding Iranian reports while confirming that the US is investigating the incident.
In a statement, Ahmad Vahidi, head of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, vowed retribution for the wedding attack victims. US Central Command spokesman Tim Hawkins emphasized that US military forces do not target civilians, in contrast to the IRGC's actions.
The conflict intensified with US airstrikes in Iran earlier this week, which reportedly killed at least 19 Iranians. Tehran's response involved strikes on US bases across the Middle East, including in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq's Kurdistan region. Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, warned of a new strategy aimed at destabilizing US efforts in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence that Iran's regime is weakening and predicted its potential downfall. Meanwhile, the US government has threatened to impose sanctions on Iran's trade partners, aiming to exert maximum economic pressure.
Amid the hostilities, Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized the US, while Iranian citizens, like self-employed Hossein Moazami, called for a return to diplomatic negotiations to alleviate the suffering of the Iranian populace. A video from the Iranian government depicted the aftermath of the wedding attack, highlighting the human impact of the conflict.
The fragile ceasefire, which collapsed in July after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, remains a critical issue. Israel's defense minister warned of potential retaliation if Iran targets Israel during the Jewish high holiday season.