Tehran/Washington, July 17, 2026: The conflict between the United States and Iran widened on Friday as Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar reported missile and drone attacks allegedly launched by Iran, while Tehran claimed to have struck US military assets across the Gulf and the United States continued its sixth consecutive night of airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Bahrain said its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed several Iranian aerial threats targeting the kingdom. In a statement, Bahrain’s armed forces accused Iran of carrying out attacks against civilians and urged residents to avoid suspicious objects that may have fallen from intercepted missiles or drones. The military described the targeting of civilians and private property as a violation of international humanitarian law.
Kuwait also reported coming under attack, with the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy confirming that an electricity generation and water desalination plant was struck, triggering a fire and causing damage to the facility. Authorities said firefighters had brought the blaze under control while repair teams continued efforts to restore operations and ensure grid stability. The ministry also appealed to the public to conserve electricity.
Iran claimed its strikes in Kuwait destroyed High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) platforms and missiles at locations where it alleged US forces and Israeli-backed fighters were stationed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its attacks killed what it described as anti-government fighters and American special forces, adding that retaliatory operations were continuing.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said its armed forces intercepted a missile attack targeting the country. The Interior Ministry later confirmed that a child was injured by debris falling from an intercepted missile.
Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East and has served as a mediator in US-Iran negotiations alongside Pakistan, has increasingly come under threat since hostilities resumed on July 7.
Meanwhile, Iran’s IRGC claimed responsibility for attacks on US fighter aircraft stationed in Jordan, while Jordan’s military earlier announced that it had intercepted and shot down three Iranian missiles aimed at the kingdom.
Inside Iran, officials said at least 38 people have been killed and more than 400 injured since the United States resumed military strikes earlier this month. Iran’s Ministry of Health said the casualties included women and children, describing healthcare as “the first victim of war.”
Iranian state media reported that overnight US strikes hit airports, railway infrastructure, bridges and other civilian facilities in several parts of the country. Authorities said three people were killed and several others injured in attacks on Hormozgan province, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr and Chabahar.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also claimed they targeted a US special operations command centre at Al-Tanf in Syria in retaliation for the killing of Iranian personnel in Iranshahr. The claim could not be independently verified.
The IRGC further asserted that Iran maintained full control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned that no oil or gas exports would pass through the strategic waterway as long as US military operations continued.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed it had completed its sixth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, saying the latest operation targeted coastal surveillance facilities, air defence systems, logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities.
CENTCOM said the campaign was intended to degrade Iran’s military capabilities and hold Tehran accountable for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. It added that more than 50,000 US military personnel remain deployed across the Middle East.
The renewed confrontation follows the collapse of a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities through a 60-day negotiation process agreed during talks held in Switzerland on June 22.
The White House has accused Iran of violating the agreement by attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tehran’s actions prompted Washington to resume military operations and reimpose a naval blockade on vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports.
US President Donald Trump, addressing the nation on Thursday night, said the United States was “winning big in Iran” and promised that the results of the military campaign would become evident soon.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance rejected reports alleging that senior White House advisers Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff sought to benefit financially from their roles in negotiations with Iran. Calling the allegations “completely bogus,” Vance described both officials as trusted members of President Trump’s team and denied receiving any complaint from Iranian negotiators regarding their conduct.
Iran has condemned the latest US military campaign as a violation of international law and the UN Charter, accusing Washington of committing war crimes by targeting civilian infrastructure.
