Iran Intensifies Strikes on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan to Pressure US Bases

Iran has stepped up attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan in a push to pressure US military infrastructure across the Middle East, CNN reported.

Iran has mounted more aggressive military action against the three countries this month than before, CNN said on July 20. Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, while Kuwait is home to key US facilities including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base.

Bahrain and Kuwait have effectively come under attack almost every day since July 8, according to the report. Airstrikes on Jordan have also intensified since last week, leaving two US service members dead and one missing.

Iran says it is targeting US facilities and assets, but civilian infrastructure has also been damaged. In Kuwait, a desalination plant and the international airport were hit. In Bahrain, the civilian aviation operating system was struck.

CNN said the attacks appear to reflect political calculations as well as military aims. Bahrain has cracked down on Shiite residents suspected of pro-Iran leanings, and Kuwait has previously punished figures seen as aligned with Tehran.

Iran has so far refrained from launching a full-scale offensive against the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel. CNN said Tehran appears to be concentrating pressure on relatively small states while keeping open the possibility of a broader escalation.