Iran unleashes drone barrage on US bases

The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Friday as Iranian military officials claimed to have

The conflict between Iran and the United States intensified on Friday as Iranian military officials claimed to have carried out drone attacks on several military facilities used by US forces in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. The developments came after fresh US airstrikes on Iranian targets, signalling another major escalation in the months-long regional confrontation.

According to Iranian military statements, “Arash” attack drones targeted US military warehouses and troop positions at Camp Udairi, Camp Doha and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Iranian officials said the attacks focused on weapons storage sites, military equipment and logistical facilities. They warned that further military action would continue if attacks against Iran persisted.

Iran also claimed responsibility for drone strikes on Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan. Iranian state media reported that fuel storage areas, aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities and accommodation used by US personnel were among the intended targets.

However, there was no immediate confirmation from the United States, Bahrain, Jordan or Kuwait regarding the reported attacks. Officials in those countries also did not immediately report casualties or significant damage.

Meanwhile, US forces reportedly carried out fresh airstrikes on an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval headquarters in the northern Iranian town of Zibakenar. Iranian authorities said the facility was hit but added that initial assessments showed no casualties.

In Iraq, several explosions were reported near Erbil International Airport, where US-led coalition forces are stationed. Witnesses reported hearing air defence systems in operation while drones were seen flying over the area. Smoke was later observed rising near the airport complex.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any country assisting the United States in military operations against Iran would be held responsible under international law. He said Tehran reserved the right to respond with measures permitted under self-defence.

Araghchi also criticised Washington over comments suggesting frozen Iranian assets could be used to compensate for damage caused to commercial shipping. He warned that confiscating another country’s assets would create a dangerous international precedent and undermine global financial stability.

The military escalation has also affected global energy markets. Concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea have sharply reduced tanker traffic through key shipping routes. Shipping data indicated that only one oil tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, the lowest daily figure in more than two months.

The situation worsened after attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea increased fears of further disruption to global energy supplies. Rising tensions pushed international oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising fresh concerns about inflation and the global economy.

US President Donald Trump warned that Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi movement would face severe military consequences if attacks on commercial shipping continued. He said Washington was prepared to respond forcefully to any further threats against regional security and international maritime trade.