Iran launches attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain as tensions continue to rise

Tensions in the Middle East escalated again after Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, according to officials in both countries.

(NBC)- Tensions in the Middle East escalated again after Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain, according to officials in both countries.

Kuwait’s airport was forced into an emergency shutdown after what officials described as an Iranian attack involving drones and missiles. The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry said one person was killed and a terminal sustained significant damage.

A Kuwaiti official described the attack as an “act of criminal Iranian aggression.”

Thousands of American troops are stationed in Kuwait. U.S. officials said Iran fired two ballistic missiles at those forces on Monday, but American air defenses intercepted the incoming missiles.

Iran also launched missiles and drones at Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

Bahraini officials said their air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed three missiles and multiple drones.

The attacks come as hopes for a potential agreement between the United States and Iran appear to be fading after signs of progress in recent days.

According to reports, Iran is attempting to challenge a U.S. naval blockade restricting access to its ports, leading to increased attacks against U.S. forces and countries hosting American military assets.

U.S. Central Command says the blockade remains effective and released video showing American forces firing into a vessel’s engine earlier this week to prevent it from docking in Iran.

The United States also carried out new strikes on military sites located on an Iranian island.

During a hearing on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced questions about the administration’s assessment of the conflict.

When challenged about claims that the war was being won, Rubio responded, “Well the war is over now.”

Sen. Cory Booker pushed back, arguing the conflict was clearly continuing.

Rubio acknowledged that negotiations remain ongoing and suggested a breakthrough could still occur.

“Could happen today, it could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week,” Rubio said.

Despite continued diplomatic efforts, the latest attacks underscore growing concerns that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire exists largely in name only as military actions continue across the region.