MANAMA: Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait said on Wednesday that their air defence systems had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones targeting locations linked to US military assets, as Tehran widened its retaliation for American strikes on Iranian military facilities and warned Gulf states against supporting operations by Washington and Israel.
The developments marked a significant escalation in regional tensions, with several Gulf states activating air defence systems and emergency measures amid fears that the confrontation between Iran and the United States could widen further.
Bahrain said its air defence systems had successfully intercepted and repelled Iranian attacks following reports that the kingdom had come under attack.
The country’s Interior Ministry said warning sirens were sounded across affected areas and urged residents to move immediately to designated safe locations and follow official instructions.
“Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the ministry said.
Officials said the alert was issued as a precautionary measure in response to the reported attacks, although no immediate details were provided regarding the scale of the strikes, damage or casualties.
A media adviser to Bahrain’s king said the kingdom’s air defence systems had effectively countered the incoming threats, preventing significant harm.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s armed forces said they intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran towards the Al-Azraq area in eastern Jordan.
The military said debris from the interception operation fell on Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage.
Earlier, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted four sites at the US military facility in Al-Azraq using long-range missiles.
Kuwait also said it was dealing with hostile aerial threats after Iran announced retaliatory attacks on US assets in the region.
The Kuwaiti army said its air defence systems were intercepting hostile aerial targets in accordance with approved operational procedures, but did not immediately provide further details.
Separately, Iran called on neighbouring Gulf states to prevent the United States and Israel from using their territory, airspace or military facilities for operations against the Islamic Republic.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said countries in the region carried a “legal and moral responsibility” to ensure their land, bases and facilities were not used to facilitate attacks on Iran.
The warning came as Iran pressed ahead with what it described as retaliatory operations following US strikes on military facilities near the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest exchange of attacks followed US strikes on Iranian military facilities, which Washington said were launched in response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter.
The widening confrontation has heightened concerns that Gulf states hosting American military assets could become increasingly exposed as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate.
