Aug 22, 2026
President Donald Trump warned of additional strikes against Iran as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with traffic at new lows. The threats follow a 'heavy wave' of U.S. strikes earlier this week, which Iran has vowed to retaliate against, and come as Kuwait reported intercepting missiles.
The United States and Iran engaged in intensifying military exchanges across the Middle East over multiple days in early July 2026, with U.S. airstrikes against Iran and Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting U.S.-allied countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The escalation threatens to collapse an interim ceasefire deal signed just weeks earlier, with President Trump declaring the truce "over."
Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain on Sunday following consecutive US airstrikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to halt all negotiations as the 121-day conflict escalates. Kuwait intercepted Iranian drones and ballistic missiles while Bahrain activated air raid sirens.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain to address Gulf Arab concerns about a preliminary agreement with Iran that aims to end hostilities. Rubio emphasized that no country, including Iran, would be allowed to charge tolls for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States military shot down Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz after Iran launched missiles and drones targeting oil tankers and U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, marking day 100 of escalating Iran-US tensions.
Iran launched drone and missile attacks on Kuwait's main airport and other civilian facilities on Wednesday, killing one person and wounding dozens in strikes that forced a temporary airport closure. The attack represents the latest escalation threatening a fragile ceasefire and stalled peace talks between Iran and the United States.
Kuwait arrested four men it says were Iranian Revolutionary Guard members who attempted an armed infiltration of Bubiyan Island on May 1, arriving by fishing boat and exchanging fire with Kuwaiti soldiers. Iran denies the allegations, claiming the individuals were on maritime patrol and entered Kuwaiti waters due to navigation system malfunction.