Tensions are reigniting in the Persian Gulf, with Iran and the United States conducting mutual strikes. Specifically, Iran launched early morning attacks with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles against US allies in the Gulf, Kuwait and Bahrain, which “failed” to hit their targets.
In retaliation and “legitimate defense,” US armed forces conducted “strikes” on Iran’s Qeshm Island, targeting a “control station,” announced the joint command responsible for the Middle East (CENTCOM, “Central Command”).
US strikes tanker bound for Iran and telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island
Earlier, the US announced it struck the tanker M/T Lexie because it was heading toward the Iranian island of Kharg, violating American restrictions.
US armed forces announced they “neutralized” the empty cargo tanker by hitting its engine room to prevent it from reaching Iran’s Kharg Island, in violation of the blockade imposed by Washington on Iranian ports.
The crew of the M/T Lexie, flying under Botswana’s flag, “ignored” “multiple” warnings from US armed forces, who struck it with a missile to immobilize it, reported CENTCOM via X.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 2, 2026
Iranian missiles miss targets against Kuwait
According to the same source, two missiles launched against Kuwait missed their targets or disintegrated in flight, while three missiles launched against Bahrain were “immediately intercepted” by the kingdom’s and US air defense forces. Additionally, three drones launched against ships in the area were destroyed, according to CENTCOM.
Earlier, Kuwait’s military announced that air defense forces were operating to repel “drone and missile attacks” for the second consecutive night, while the emirate’s news agency KUNA reported that alarm sirens sounded. On Monday, Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry called Iran “solely responsible” for the “heinous” attacks.
Revolutionary Guards target US base in Bahrain
On the other side, the Revolutionary Guards – the Islamic Republic’s ideological army – announced they targeted a US military base in the region, similar to last Thursday when Kuwait announced a similar attack. They also reported targeting the headquarters of the US 5th Fleet, located in Bahrain, with missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. CENTCOM denied around 03:00 (Greek time) that the headquarters and a US air base in the region were hit.
They added this was retaliation following a US attack against their telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island.
Iran and the US have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire implemented on April 8, following approximately one month of hostilities.
Indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington to end the Middle East war, which erupted on February 28 with the US-Israeli attack against Iran, appear to be sinking into quicksand in recent weeks.
