Iran launched a fresh wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting US military interests in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain early Wednesday, defying US President Donald Trump’s warning of a “much harder
and higher” response.
The Iranian strikes came hours after the US military launched a fresh wave of attacks across southern Iran. Washington said the strikes targeted IRGC infrastructure following recent attempted attacks “against commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members.”
Jordan Intercepts 10 Missiles
In Jordan, Iran’s IRGC said it launched a heavy ballistic missile attack on a US Marine Corps base. Iranian media identified the facility as Camp Titin, located near the Gulf of Aqaba.
Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the attack targeted US forces and claimed a “large number” of American troops were killed. The claim has not been independently verified.
Jordan’s military gave a different account, saying its air defences intercepted and destroyed 10 of 13 ballistic missiles launched from Iran. The remaining three fell in remote areas away from populated centres, adding that no casualties were reported.
Jordanian state television later reported fresh sirens as the Iranian attacks continued. Two US officials told Reuters there were no reported casualties at US facilities in Jordan based on initial information.
Kuwait, Bahrain Also Targeted
Kuwait also came under attack, with its military saying air defences were responding to “hostile missile and drone attacks”. It was the first reported Iranian attack on Kuwait in more than a month.
Iranian media reported that missiles and drones were launched towards US-linked facilities in the country, while loud explosions and warning sirens were heard. Further details on damage or casualties were not immediately available.
In Bahrain, Iran’s army said it launched a wave of drone attacks against radar installations and areas of Sheikh Isa Airbase, where it claimed US forces are stationed.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency described the operation as the 29th phase of “Operation Thunder” and said Tehran was prepared for a “crushing and extensive response” to further attacks.
Bahrain’s Interior Ministry issued a public safety alert on X, urging residents and citizens to remain calm, move to the nearest safe location and follow official updates.
Trump Warned Of ‘Much Harder’ Attack
After the US launched its latest attacks across Iran, Trump warned Tehran against retaliation.
“If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Iranian officials nevertheless vowed to respond. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi said the US would “will regret its new attacks,” saying that “severe punishment awaits the aggressors.”, while Tasnim later reported that Iranian forces had begun targeting US bases and interests across the region.
The escalation also came after a US strike in Sirik, southern Iran, where the Iranian Red Crescent said five people, including a child, were killed and more than 50 others wounded at a wedding ceremony.
It was not immediately clear what target the US military was seeking to hit in Sirik County. Washington has yet to comment on the reported strike.
(With inputs from agencies)
