Bahrain, Kuwait secretly struck Iran targets this month: Report

Bahrain and Kuwait have secretly carried out airstrikes targeting Iranian drone and missile facilities, marking their first direct retaliatory action against Tehran, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing sources familiar with the matter.

The strikes, which occurred earlier this month, targeted military sites within Iran. These Gulf states, possessing relatively small air forces equipped with Western aircraft, reportedly felt compelled to respond to ongoing Iranian aggression. This move signifies a notable shift in regional dynamics, as countries like Oman and Qatar have historically maintained a more balanced policy between Iran and Western nations, showing little inclination for direct confrontation.

Adding another layer to this emerging regional alignment, the United Arab Emirates allegedly provided crucial intelligence on targets and offered defensive air cover for the Bahraini and Kuwaiti jets. The UAE, which had previously engaged in strikes against Iran earlier in the war, appears to be coordinating more closely with other Arab states against Tehran. Saudi Arabia, which had also participated in earlier strikes alongside the UAE, is reportedly reassessing its position.

This coordinated action underscores a growing, albeit covert, Arab cooperation aimed at countering Iran's military activities. The report highlights the increasing willingness of some Gulf states to take direct military action in response to perceived threats from Tehran, moving beyond diplomatic or purely defensive measures.