Iran launched missiles and drones toward American military bases in four Middle Eastern countries on Thursday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated, following a second night of U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets. Tehran claimed its forces targeted Patriot missile interceptors in Kuwait, early warning systems in Qatar, and fuel depots in Bahrain, which is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet.
The IRGC also reported that Iran fired at least 10 ballistic missiles toward Jordan’s Azraq military base, which hosts the U.S. Air Force’s 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. Jordan’s armed forces confirmed the attacks, stating that eight missiles were intercepted and that debris fell onto its territory without causing injuries.
Kuwait’s military confirmed that its forces intercepted a cruise missile, three ballistic missiles, and 10 drones. Kuwaiti officials reported that at least one person was injured by falling shrapnel from these interceptions. Bahrain stated it shot down incoming fire, while there was no immediate report of damage in Qatar.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's top negotiator, indicated that these attacks were a direct response to American airstrikes. "If you strike, you will be struck back," Ghalibaf wrote on X, emphasizing that Iran would control the Strait of Hormuz arrangements.
U.S. airstrikes on Wednesday targeted approximately 90 Iranian military sites. These strikes were described as "retribution" by President Trump for Iran's alleged attack on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. The American assault focused on defense systems, coastal surveillance, and missile and drone storage sites. Iran reported 14 killed and 78 wounded across five provinces as a result of the U.S. action.
Thursday's exchanges marked the third day of retaliatory strikes between the two nations. President Trump had previously warned Iran of a stronger response if further attacks were launched. While the president suggested an end to negotiations with Iran following the initial U.S. strikes, he also indicated that the escalating events did not necessarily signal a return to long-term conflict.