U.S. Launches Wave of Strikes in Iran; Bahrain Comes Under Cluster Missile Attack

A U.S. official confirmed on Tuesday evening that American military forces had been carrying out airstrikes in Iran over the previous several hours. According to the official, the wave of strikes began a few hours earlier and remained ongoing. At the same time, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry announced that sirens had been activated across the country. According to reports, Iran launched cluster missiles toward Bahrain.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced that they had targeted American military sites, including Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. They claimed that at Sheikh Isa Air Base, “several weapons depots, as well as parts of enemy ships and aircraft, were destroyed.”

They also said: “Our forces also destroyed or damaged several MQ 9 drones at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait by striking the platform where they were deployed. These attacks are a response to the U.S. military strikes carried out earlier today, in which several military sites along the coast were targeted.”

Kuwait also reported coming under attack. Authorities said air defense systems were operating against hostile missiles and drones, and that the sounds of explosions heard across the country were caused by aerial interceptions.

Meanwhile, three oil tankers sailing under the Liberian flag were attacked on Tuesday in three separate incidents off the coast of Oman. According to Oman’s Maritime Security Center, three crew members were reported missing and six others were injured.

The tanker AL BAHYAH, owned by a company based in the United Arab Emirates, was attacked off Musandam Governorate. According to a statement from Oman’s Military Communications Authority, 18 crew members were rescued by nearby vessels, while three others remain missing.

In a separate incident, the tanker MOMBASA B, also sailing under the Liberian flag, was attacked off the coast of Musandam. The Maritime Security Center said the vessel lost its ability to maneuver following the attack. All 21 crew members were evacuated by nearby vessels, including six who sustained injuries of varying severity.

The third tanker, STOLT MAGNESIUM, was attacked off South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, outside Oman’s territorial waters. The attack caused a fire to break out in the ship’s engine room. Omani authorities said all 23 crew members were rescued and were in good condition.