The US military said on Tuesday that it intercepted Iranian missiles launched toward Kuwait and Bahrain while carrying out defensive counter-strikes against targets on Iran's Qeshm Island.
In a statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Tehran had initiated a series of aerial attacks across the region.
"Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours; however, all failed to hit their intended targets," CENTCOM said.
According to the command, two Iranian missiles fired toward Kuwait either fell short or disintegrated during flight, while three missiles launched at Bahrain were successfully intercepted by US and Bahraini air defense systems.
The Kuwaiti Army confirmed that its air defense networks engaged and neutralised multiple incoming aerial threats. Residents reported hearing loud explosions across several parts of the country as defense systems intercepted the missiles.
"Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks," the General Staff of the Army said in a statement. "If explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks."
Meanwhile, Iran's state-run broadcaster IRIB claimed that US military facilities in Kuwait had been struck in retaliation for what Tehran described as Washington's aggressive actions in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and on Qeshm Island.
The latest escalation comes amid reports that Iran has suspended communications with mediators regarding a possible extension of a ceasefire involving the United States and Israel, as tensions rise over Israel's conflict with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
The Associated Press, citing a regional official involved in mediation efforts, reported that Iran had not communicated with intermediaries on Tuesday after insisting that a ceasefire in Lebanon must be enforced before negotiations could proceed.
US President Donald Trump, however, rejected claims that talks had stalled, saying discussions with Tehran remained ongoing.
"The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago and today," Trump wrote in a social media post. "Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, it's time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal."
