Kuwait city: Iran announced on Thursday that it had targeted US military bases located in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of a retaliatory measure following a US strike on a wedding party. This US attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of four individuals and injuries to nearly 70 others. Vice President JD Vance stated that the alleged US strike is currently under investigation.
According to France24.com, the renewed hostilities began with US military raids earlier in the week, further complicating the six-month-long conflict. While Iran continues to maintain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the United States has been enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports as part of its countermeasures. Kuwait's army reported intercepting a missile and drone attack from Iran and described the incident as a significant violation of international law. The Iranian military asserted that it hit the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait. Additionally, Iran claimed to have struck the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, though UAE authorities reported no such attack.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) reported that the missile attack on a wedding in Kuhestak, a coastal town in Iran, resulted in the deaths of four people, including a child, and injured more than 50 others. US Vice President JD Vance expressed skepticism regarding the reports from Iran, indicating that the US is actively investigating the matter.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) chief, Ahmad Vahidi, vowed to avenge the victims of the wedding attack. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) spokesperson Tim Hawkins reiterated that the US military does not target civilians, contrasting this with the actions of the IRGC.
In response to extensive US bombardments across Iran, which reportedly killed at least 19 Iranians, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US bases and forces in multiple Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Amidst these tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence in the potential collapse of Iran's current regime, describing it as "weaker than ever" and on the brink of survival.
The conflict extends beyond military actions, with Washington threatening to impose additional sanctions on Iran's trade partners as part of its economic pressure strategy. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the goal of maximizing pressure through expanded sanctions.
Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticized the US for the wedding attack, labeling the US as "Satan." Iranian citizens, such as Hossein Moazami, have expressed distress over the escalating violence, calling for a return to diplomatic negotiations to alleviate the suffering of the Iranian populace.
The incident has led to widespread dismay, with videos circulating on Iranian state media showing the aftermath of the wedding attack site, illustrating the extent of destruction and chaos. The father of the bride, Ali Mallahi, expressed gratitude that the casualties were not higher, despite the tragedy.
The fragile ceasefire in the region collapsed in July following attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supply. In response to the escalating situation, Israel's defense minister has stated that the country is prepared to respond with significant force if targeted by Iran during the upcoming Jewish high holidays.