[26.02.28] Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Bases Explained: Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait Targeted

Iran Launches Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Military Facilities in Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait After U.S.–Israel Airstrikes

📍Missile and drone response follows Tehran strike; airspace closures and evacuations spread across the Gulf

After the United States and Israel carried out airstrikes on Tehran, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, as evacuation alerts were issued and regional military tensions escalated sharply.

🔹 U.S.–Israel Strike on Tehran… “Eliminating Imminent Threats”
On the 28th local time, the United States and Israel conducted large-scale airstrikes against military targets in Tehran and other locations in Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the operation was named “Lion’s Roar.” The strike marked another major offensive approximately eight months after last June’s “Rising Lion” operation against Iranian nuclear facilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a Truth Social video address that “major combat operations have begun inside Iran,” adding that the objective was to eliminate imminent threats and protect the American people. He cited Iran’s alleged attempts to rebuild its nuclear program and develop long-range missiles, emphasizing that “Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.”

According to foreign media reports, the operation had been planned for months and its initial phase could last several days. Explosions were reported in central Tehran, with plumes of smoke rising over the city, while Iranian authorities closed airspace and restricted certain communications.

🔹 Immediate Iranian Retaliation… Simultaneous Strikes on Gulf U.S. Bases
Shortly after the airstrikes, Iran initiated immediate retaliatory measures.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had launched missiles and drones toward Israel and stated that U.S. military facilities in the Gulf region were also included among its targets.

In Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet is stationed, air raid sirens sounded and residents were instructed to move to the nearest safe location.

Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the targets included Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, indicating coordinated strikes on key American regional installations.

🔹 UAE Announces Interceptions… Fatality Reported and Airspace Closures Spread
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that several Iranian ballistic missiles were intercepted. However, it confirmed that one person was killed in Abu Dhabi after being struck by falling missile debris.

Iraq immediately closed its airspace, and explosions were reported over Syria and Lebanon. Iran also shut its airspace and restricted mobile communications in certain areas.

Governments across the region activated emergency response systems and issued public safety advisories.

🔹 “All Supporting Bases Are Targets”… Warning of Escalation
Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticized Israel’s preemptive strike as a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. It stated that Iran retains the legitimate right to respond firmly to such aggression.

An Iranian military spokesperson warned that “all bases assisting the United States and Israel will become targets of Iranian forces,” signaling the potential for broader escalation involving additional U.S. facilities across the Middle East.

🔹 Rising Tensions in Lebanon… Hezbollah Factor
Lebanon faces heightened tension due to the presence of Hezbollah, a group aligned with Iran.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that no action threatening national security and unity would be tolerated. International media interpreted his remarks as a warning against direct involvement by Hezbollah.

🔹 South Korea Orders Priority Protection for Nationals
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung received emergency briefings following the U.S.–Israel strikes and instructed relevant ministries to prioritize safety measures for Korean nationals in Iran and neighboring countries.

The government stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and strengthening protective measures.

🔹 Military Clash Follows Collapse of Nuclear Talks
The confrontation occurred just two days after nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva ended without a breakthrough.

With diplomatic momentum stalled, the sudden shift to military confrontation has significantly reduced prospects for a negotiated resolution. Prolonged escalation could disrupt maritime routes including the Strait of Hormuz and generate volatility in global energy markets.

One-line summary : After U.S.–Israel airstrikes on Tehran, Iran retaliated against U.S. bases in the Gulf, sharply escalating regional tensions.