On 24 July 2026, Bahrain and Kuwait conducted air strikes against Iran, marking a rare direct Arab military retaliation in a lengthening regional conflict. The strikes reflect Arab concerns about escalating threats to Gulf shipping, including Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz and a Red Sea blockade by Yemen-backed forces.
Bahrain and Kuwait secretly sent fighter jets earlier this month to strike Iranian drone and missile depots in their first direct retaliation against Tehran. The UAE provided intelligence and air cover for the operation.