Iran Says Attacked US Military Targets In UAE, Kuwait - ndtv.com

**Iran Claims Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Military Installations in the UAE and Kuwait**

Tehran announced on Sunday that its armed forces carried out missile attacks against what it described as “U.S. military targets” located in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The Iranian Ministry of Defense cited the operations as a direct response to a series of American airstrikes earlier in the week that hit Iranian territory, including a deadly strike on a wedding gathering in the coastal town of Sirik that killed dozens of civilians. No immediate confirmation of damage or casualties from the alleged Iranian missiles has been released by the United States or the governments of the UAE and Kuwait, both of which have pledged to investigate the claims through their respective defense ministries.

The U.S. response to the Sirik incident has been framed as a limited tactical action aimed at a “terrorist cell” allegedly linked to attacks on American personnel in the region, according to statements from the Department of Defense. However, the incident sparked widespread condemnation from Iran and several allied nations, with the Iranian leadership accusing Washington of violating international law and escalating a “new Gulf war.” In the days following the Sirik strike, President Donald Trump warned that any further Iranian aggression could be met with “much harder” retaliation, a statement that has been cited by Tehran as justification for its reported counter‑strikes.

Analysts note that the episode underscores a fragile security environment in the Gulf, where U.S. forces maintain a substantial presence and Iran continues to expand its missile capabilities. The Economist has warned that the tit‑for‑tat pattern of attacks risks drawing regional actors into a broader conflict, while The New York Times and Al Jazeera have highlighted the humanitarian toll of the Sirik bombing on civilians. Diplomatic channels remain open, but both sides appear entrenched, with Iran asserting its right to defend its sovereignty and the United States emphasizing its commitment to protect its forces and allies in the region.