Tehran hits US bases in Kuwait and UAE

Iranian armed forces targeted U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, September 3, 2026, as Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed revenge for a deadly strike on a wedding celebration in Hormozgan province.

In Washington, U.S. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that U.S. officials are investigating the Kuhestak incident, while expressing skepticism regarding casualty claims released by Iranian state media.

How did Kuwait and the UAE respond to the latest Iranian strikes?

According to military statements released Thursday, Iran launched missile and drone attacks aimed at U.S. assets stationed at the Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti military confirmed intercepting incoming projectiles, condemning the assault as a "grave breach of international law." Meanwhile, Iranian claims of a strike on Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE were not confirmed by Emirati defense authorities.

The renewed exchanges follow heavy U.S. bombardments earlier in the week that Iranian officials say killed at least 19 people across southern provinces, including six Iranian naval personnel. Iranian Red Crescent reports indicate that a Tuesday night strike on the coastal town of Kuhestak hit a residence hosting a wedding, leaving four civilians dead and over 50 wounded. IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi declared Thursday that "the pure blood of these oppressed martyrs will not go unanswered."

How are US and Israeli leaders characterizing the current state of the conflict?

During a White House press briefing, Vice President JD Vance downplayed the intensity of current hostilities, asserting that major combat operations ceased six weeks after the initial February 28 outbreak. "I wouldn't call it a war," Vance stated, adding that while localized clashes continue, "right now, there is no active shooting." He emphasized that CENTCOM is reviewing operational records for the Kuhestak incident, while CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins reiterated that U.S. forces strictly target IRGC military infrastructure and never target civilians.

In Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told military leaders that the Iranian government is "teetering" and "weaker than ever" under the weight of foreign strikes and naval blockades. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz cautioned that Israeli forces remain on high alert to respond with "great force" should Iran attempt direct attacks during the upcoming Jewish high holidays in mid-September.