Iran Attacks US Bases in Kuwait and UAE
On Thursday, September 3, 2026, Iran's military launched a coordinated attack using ballistic missiles and drones against two US air bases in the Gulf region: Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait and Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. According to The Guardian, targets in Kuwait included satellite communication systems, equipment depots, and fighter jet hangars, while in the UAE, positions of forces and radar systems were struck.
Kuwait's Ministry of Defense confirmed on its X account that its air defenses intercepted the attacks, calling them a "flagrant Iranian aggression". Footage showed damage to a residential building in Kuwait City after a drone impact, though no immediate fatalities were reported.
Regional Escalation: Bahrain and Jordan Also Intercepted Attacks
This attack comes one day after Bahrain and Jordan intercepted Iranian aerial attacks on Wednesday. On Sunday, the US had struck Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Iran of planning to lay mines in the water. Tensions continue to rise in a region already convulsed by the war in Gaza and the conflict with Israel.
The Kheibar Shekan Missile: Precision and Speed
Iran used the Kheibar Shekan medium-range ballistic missile, a weapon that has become a symbol of Iranian military capability. This missile is cheap, precise, and quick to launch thanks to its solid fuel, and features a maneuverable terminal stage that allows it to evade anti-missile systems. The spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard, Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi, stated that Iran has sufficient stockpiles and continuous production capacity, though this claim has not been independently verified.
Economic Consequences: Oil Rises and the Strait of Hormuz Remains Paralyzed
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, remains well below pre-war levels. Oil prices rose on Thursday following the attacks and remain elevated amid uncertainty ahead of the US midterm elections, scheduled for November. This situation could impact the global economy and energy prices.
Israel Warns of 'Desperate Measures' by Iran
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that US economic sanctions are effective, but that pressure could push Iran to "desperate measures" out of fear of regime collapse or internal uprising. Katz reiterated that an Iranian attack on Israel would free Israel from restrictions and would strike all of Iran's national, military, and civilian infrastructure, including its energy sector. These statements further raise tensions in a region on the brink.
Context and Background
The current crisis is part of a broader conflict that includes the war in Gaza, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and tensions over Iran's nuclear program. The US has deployed aircraft carriers and defense systems in the region, while Iran has responded with attacks on bases and US interests. The international community watches with concern a possible escalation that could lead to a large-scale regional conflict.
Source: The Guardian, article by Peter Beaumont.