U.S. intercepts Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Kuwait and Bahrain

U.S. forces intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and attack drones that targeted the Gulf region on Friday, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain hours after U.S. forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones headed toward the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM said. The military said the drones posed “an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic.”

In response, U.S. forces struck Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in Goruk and on Qeshm Island. CENTCOM said the strikes were conducted to prevent additional maritime attacks.

Initial U.S. assessments found that six of the seven ballistic missiles were intercepted, while the seventh failed to reach its intended target.

“There are currently no reports of harm to U.S. personnel,” CENTCOM said.

The military also rejected Iranian claims that the attack damaged the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

“Iranian claims of damaging U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain are false,” CENTCOM said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy supplies.

CENTCOM said its forces remain on alert as tensions continue in the region.

“CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and postured to continue responding to unwarranted Iranian aggression in self-defense,” the command said.