Iran condemns US strikes as Gulf tensions escalate with missile exchanges, airport attack claims

Tehran says Kuwait and Bahrain bore “direct and clear responsibility” for incidents, alleging that their territory and infrastructure were used to support US military operations against Iran

TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News- June 3^rd, 2026) Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned what it described as United States attacks on an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and a telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island, accusing Washington of violating a ceasefire understanding and international law.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said Kuwait and Bahrain bore “direct and clear responsibility” for the incidents, alleging that their territory and infrastructure were used to support US military operations against Iran. Tehran also warned that it reserved the right to respond in self-defence, including by targeting the sources of any future attacks.

The escalation comes amid renewed military exchanges across the Gulf region, with reports of drone and missile activity affecting multiple countries.

Kuwait International Airport reportedly came under attack by drones on Wednesday, causing damage and injuries, according to its Defence Ministry. Authorities said the main passenger terminal was hit, prompting suspension and diversion of flights and activation of emergency procedures. The ministry added that air defence systems were placed on high alert.

Kuwaiti officials said one person was killed in the attacks, while several others were injured and treated for wounds. Civil aviation authorities said they were monitoring the situation in coordination with security agencies.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strikes followed earlier US actions near Qeshm Island, and claimed responsibility for retaliatory operations targeting US-linked sites in the region, including installations in Kuwait.

US Central Command, however, stated that several Iranian missiles and drones targeting Gulf states were intercepted or failed before reaching their destinations.

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It also said American forces had carried out strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted Iranian attacks across the region.

Bahrain’s Defence Force said it intercepted and destroyed multiple missiles and drones aimed at “civilian” locations, urging residents to remain cautious and report any debris or suspicious objects.

Separately, China urged both Washington and Tehran to adhere to ceasefire commitments and avoid further escalation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said renewed fighting would serve no one’s interests and called for a return to diplomatic engagement.

Within Iran, officials signalled a hardening stance alongside limited openness to talks. Deputy parliamentary speaker Mojtaba Nikzad said Tehran could negotiate if necessary but did not trust US assurances, accusing Washington of past attacks and “crimes” against Iran.

Hardline lawmakers also called for stronger military responses, while Iranian officials reiterated that the country would not make concessions under pressure.

Meanwhile, US officials said intercepted missile and drone attacks had failed to hit key targets, and that American forces remained prepared to counter further threats.

The latest flare-up comes amid ongoing tensions linked to the wider US-Iran confrontation, disruptions in maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and continued instability across parts of the middle East, including Lebanon, where Israeli strikes and Hezbollah activity have persisted despite partial ceasefire efforts.