Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jun 3: The United States military has said it carried out "self-defence" strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after Iran launched missiles and drones targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, marking the latest escalation in tensions between the two countries.

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Iran fired several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours, while drones were also launched in the Gulf region. US and allied air defence systems intercepted the incoming threats, with officials stating that all missiles either failed, broke apart during flight, or were successfully shot down before reaching their intended targets. No casualties or significant damage were reported.

In response, US forces conducted strikes against Iranian military facilities on Qeshm Island. CENTCOM said the operation targeted sites linked to attempted attacks by Iran, including drone and control infrastructure used in the operations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks against US-linked targets in the Gulf, describing the action as retaliation for recent American military operations. Iranian media reported that US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait were among the intended targets.

Despite the exchange of fire, US officials maintained that the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remains in effect. CENTCOM stated that the defensive military actions were carried out within the framework of protecting US personnel and assets while efforts to preserve the truce continue.

The latest confrontation comes amid ongoing tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway for global energy supplies, where both countries have repeatedly accused each other of violating ceasefire understandings.