Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain on Wednesday, saying the strikes were carried out in retaliation for a recent US attack on Iran's Qeshm Island. The development marks a major escalation in tensions across the Gulf region and has raised fresh concerns about regional security.

According to Iran's Armed Forces, the attacks targeted the US Fifth Fleet and a US air base in the region. Iranian officials said the operation was launched in response to what they described as US strikes on an Iranian telecommunications antenna and an Iranian oil tanker. The military stated that the action was part of a previously announced warning that any aggression against Iran would be met with a stronger response.

Iran's state broadcaster IRIB reported that the attacks were directed at American military facilities after what it called "hostile actions" by the United States in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and on Qeshm Island. The broadcaster claimed that US bases in Kuwait had been hit, although there was no immediate independent confirmation of the claim.

In Kuwait, the military said its air defence systems were actively intercepting hostile missiles and drones during the early hours of Wednesday. Residents in different parts of the country reported hearing loud explosions as interception operations were carried out.

In its first statement, Kuwait's Army General Staff confirmed that air defence units were responding to the threat. The military clarified that the explosion sounds heard across the country were linked to interception efforts by defence systems.

As the situation continued to unfold, the Kuwaiti military issued another public advisory. Authorities urged citizens and residents not to approach or touch any debris, shrapnel or unidentified objects that may have fallen after the interception of aerial targets. Officials warned that such objects could be dangerous and pose a serious threat to public safety.

The statement was delivered by the Ministry of Defence's official spokesperson, Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi. He called on the public to immediately report any suspicious debris to emergency services through the 112 hotline or inform the relevant authorities. The military also advised people to depend only on official sources for updates and to follow all safety instructions issued by authorities.

"The General Staff of the Army calls on everyone to cooperate and adhere to the issued guidelines to preserve the security and safety of all," the statement said.

The attacks come at a time of growing tensions between Iran and the United States following a series of recent military exchanges in the region.

Meanwhile, Bahrain's Interior Ministry confirmed that warning sirens were activated across the country on Wednesday. Authorities asked citizens and residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe location. People were also instructed to follow official safety guidelines issued by the government.

Iran continued to defend its actions, describing them as retaliatory strikes. According to IRIB, the Iranian Armed Forces said they had targeted the US Fifth Fleet and a US air base in response to what they described as an American attack on a telecommunications antenna and an Iranian oil tanker.

"Following the US attack on a telecommunications antenna and an Iranian oil tanker, we targeted the United States Fifth Fleet and a US air base in the region," the military said.

It further stated, "We had previously warned that in the event of aggression, the response would be different and more severe, and tonight we acted on our word."

The latest developments follow a US military strike on Iran's Qeshm Island on June 2. The United States said the operation targeted an Iranian military ground control station that was allegedly being used to direct drone operations.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strike came after American forces intercepted several Iranian drones and ballistic missiles launched across the Middle East. The US military described the operation as a defensive measure aimed at preventing further attacks.

However, CENTCOM later issued a clarification and rejected Iranian claims that US military bases in the region had been successfully attacked. The command released a fact-check statement denying Tehran's assertions regarding damage to American facilities.

The exchange of strikes between the two countries has significantly increased tensions in the Gulf. Security agencies across the region remain on high alert as governments closely monitor the situation. The latest attacks and counterclaims have heightened fears of a broader conflict and added to uncertainty over stability in one of the world's most strategically important regions.