Tehran: Iran announced on Thursday that it targeted US military bases in Kuwait and the UAE, following a US strike on a wedding party in Iran that reportedly killed four people and injured nearly 70. While the US military maintains that it does not target civilians, Vice President JD Vance stated that the incident is under investigation.
According to France24.com, the recent escalation began with US raids on Sunday, exacerbating the ongoing six-month conflict. Iran continues to hold a strategic position over the Strait of Hormuz, while the US enforces a counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Kuwait's military reported intercepting a missile and drone from Iran, identifying Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base as the target. Kuwait condemned the attack, citing it as a "grave breach of the rules of international law". Meanwhile, Iran claimed to have hit the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, though the UAE reported no such incident.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that a missile attack on a wedding in Kuhestak, Iran, killed four individuals, including a child, and injured over 50. Vice President Vance expressed skepticism about the reports from Iran, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps leader, Ahmad Vahidi, pledged to avenge the victims of the wedding attack, while US Central Command spokesperson Tim Hawkins reiterated that the US military does not target civilians.
US airstrikes across Iran on Tuesday and Wednesday reportedly resulted in at least 19 Iranian casualties. The Tasnim News Agency noted that six Iranian naval personnel were killed in these attacks, though it was unclear if they were part of the 19 casualties. In response, Iran launched strikes against US assets in various Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Iraq's Kurdistan region.
Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, warned the US of a new strategic approach intended to destabilize US foundations. In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence that Iran's regime was on the brink of collapse and that the threat could be neutralized.
The US has vowed to escalate economic pressure on Iran through expanded sanctions targeting its trade partners. Energy Secretary Chris Wright affirmed this commitment, promising maximum pressure on Iran's economic allies.
Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized the US over the wedding attack, labeling the United States as "Satan". Meanwhile, Iranian citizens expressed concern over the renewed hostilities, with many calling for a return to diplomatic negotiations.
Footage shared by Iranian state media depicted the aftermath of the wedding attack, showing significant damage and distress. The father of the bride, Ali Mallahi, expressed relief that the casualties were not higher, despite the tragic incident.
The conflict's escalation follows a fragile ceasefire collapse in July, after attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Israel's defense minister warned of a robust response should Iran target Israel during the Jewish high holiday season in mid-September.