US strikes Iranian radar sites after drone launch; Iran retaliates with ballistic missiles targeting Gulf allies
U.S. forces struck Iranian radar sites after shooting down drones over the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Iran to fire ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, further straining the April ceasefire.
Drone launch and US strike
On Friday, Iran launched four one-way attack drones toward the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. forces shot them down, with Central Command later saying the drones "posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic." Following the intercept, U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island, calling it a defensive action to prevent further attacks.
The attack drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.
Iranian missile retaliation
Hours later, Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, according to Centcom. The U.S. military intercepted six missiles, while a seventh failed to reach its target. No U.S. personnel were harmed. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted the Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait and the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet in Bahrain, as well as four oil tankers attempting to exit the strait. Centcom denied that the 5th Fleet headquarters was damaged.
This attack was a clear violation of the April 2026 ceasefire and an aggression against Iran's territorial integrity.
Ceasefire under pressure
The April 8 truce, which paused the conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, has been violated repeatedly by both sides. Tehran called the U.S. radar strike a "flagrant violation" and urged the UN Security Council to react to Washington’s "illegal actions." It warned Gulf neighbors not to allow their territory to be used for attacks on Iran.
These actions endanger peace in the region and the world.
Wider war and economic fallout
The Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil flows, has been effectively closed since the war began, with the U.S. enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Energy and grocery prices have surged, creating political headwinds for President Trump’s Republican Party ahead of midterm elections. Earlier in the week, an Iranian drone strike damaged a passenger terminal at Kuwait’s main airport, killing one person and wounding dozens.
Trump said on Friday that the three-month war is "largely finished" but could end "in a more difficult way" than talks. Indirect negotiations have stalled. Pakistan dispatched Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to Iran again, signaling continued diplomatic efforts.
- Iran launches four attack drones toward Strait of Hormuz
- U.S. shoots down drones and strikes radar sites in Goruk and Qeshm
- Iran fires seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain
- U.S. forces intercept six missiles; one fails to reach target
- Iran condemns U.S. attack as ceasefire violation; diplomatic efforts resume
Regional reactions
Bahrain and Kuwait condemned Iran’s missile attacks. Kuwait’s military said it intercepted incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter. The U.S. maintained that it will defend its interests and allies from further attacks.
