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Explosions were reported in Kuwait and Bahrain early Saturday, following U.S. strikes targeting Iran, according to AFP correspondents on the ground. In Kuwait, multiple explosions were heard near Kuwait International Airport, with the country's military stating it was responding to "hostile" missile and drone attacks.

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There are currently no reports of harm to US personnel, and Iranian claims of damaging US 5th fleet headquarters in Bahrain are false.

An AFP correspondent in Bahrain's capital, Manama, also reported hearing explosions and witnessing interceptions amid air raid alerts. U.S. military officials confirmed that Iran launched seven ballistic missiles toward the neighboring Gulf nations on Friday. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in a post on X that it intercepted six of the missiles, with the seventh failing to reach its intended target. CENTCOM also refuted Iranian claims of damaging the U.S. 5th fleet headquarters in Bahrain, asserting there were no reports of harm to U.S. personnel.

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This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that has been an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The incidents occurred despite a ceasefire that paused the war sparked by U.S.-Israeli bombings of Iran in April. The conflict had largely held despite sporadic exchanges of fire. Earlier in the week, Kuwait had condemned "Iranian aggression" after a drone strike on its international airport resulted in one death and 63 injuries. Tehran denied involvement, attributing the airport incident to an "error in the American Patriot systems."

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condemned Iranian aggression

In parallel with the escalating tensions, the United States announced its approval of a $1.98 billion arms sale to Kuwait. The State Department confirmed the sale would include counter-drone technology from defense company Anduril. The U.S. stated that this proposed sale would support its foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a major non-NATO ally crucial for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

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an error in the American Patriot systems