TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran and the United States (US) exchanged fresh military strikes across the Gulf region on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, escalating tensions despite an ongoing ceasefire and raising concerns over the stability of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes.
Iran's state-run broadcaster IRIB claimed that Tehran launched attacks against American military bases in Kuwait in response to what it described as hostile US actions in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Qeshm Island.
As reported by ABC News, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had attacked the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain using missiles and drones. Iranian media described the operation as retaliation for a US strike on a communications tower south of Qeshm Island.
The United States confirmed it had carried out military action against Iranian targets. In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran.
CENTCOM also claimed that Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward neighboring countries, but none successfully reached their intended targets. According to the US military, two missiles fired toward Kuwait either fell short or broke apart during flight, while three missiles launched toward Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defense systems.
The military further said American forces shot down three Iranian attack drones that were allegedly heading toward civilian vessels transiting regional waters.
No American personnel were injured during the incidents, CENTCOM said, adding that US forces remain on heightened alert and prepared to defend American interests and allies in the region.
The latest exchange triggered security alerts in several Gulf states.
According to the Times of India, Kuwait's General Staff announced that the country's air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones after loud explosions were heard in several parts of the country. Authorities said the sounds reported by residents were caused by interception operations carried out by Kuwaiti air defense units.
The military urged the public to avoid approaching debris, shrapnel, or unidentified objects that may have fallen following the interceptions, warning that such materials could be hazardous.
Defense Ministry spokesperson Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi also called on citizens and residents to report suspicious objects through the 112 emergency hotline and to rely only on official information channels.
"The General Staff of the Army calls on everyone to cooperate and adhere to the issued guidelines to preserve the security and safety of all," the statement said.
Meanwhile, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said warning sirens were activated and urged residents to move to the nearest safe location.
The military confrontation also expanded into the maritime domain as the United States continued enforcing its blockade on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports.
ABC News noted that the US military fired a Hellfire missile at the Botswana-flagged oil tanker M/T Lexie after the vessel allegedly ignored repeated warnings while sailing toward Iran's Kharg Island.
The missile struck the vessel's engine room, disabling the tanker. CENTCOM said the crew had failed to comply with directions from US forces multiple times over a 24-hour period. The military did not immediately report any casualties.
Iran strongly condemned the action. The IRGC Navy warned that disrupting security in the Strait of Hormuz would carry a "heavy price" for the United States military. Iranian media also reported that Iranian forces targeted a vessel identified as Panaya with missiles in response to what Tehran described as an American attack on Iranian-linked shipping.
The latest confrontation marks another escalation since Washington imposed a blockade on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports on April 13. US officials said six commercial ships have been disabled and more than 122 vessels redirected since the blockade began.
Although hostilities have eased significantly since a ceasefire took effect in April, repeated missile launches, drone attacks, and maritime incidents continue to test the fragile truce.
According to CENTCOM, American forces remain vigilant and ready to respond to further threats amid what it described as ongoing Iranian aggression. The latest incidents underscore the continued volatility of the conflict and the challenges facing efforts to prevent a broader regional escalation.
Read: Trump Promises Calm in Lebanon with Eyes on Peace with Iran
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Antam Gold Price Drops Rp25,000 per Gram as Global Gold Weakens
23 jam lalu
Gold price from PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam) dropped again on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Trump Promises Calm in Lebanon with Eyes on Peace with Iran
1 hari lalu
The U.S. president said Israel and Hezbollah agreed to de-escalate, while Iran halted talks, insisting Lebanon be included in any peace deal.
Trump Reportedly Clashes With Netanyahu Over Lebanon Escalation
1 hari lalu
US President Donald Trump reportedly lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a heated phone call on Monday, June 1.
Iran Threatens to Halt US Talks if Israel Continues Attacks on Lebanon
1 hari lalu
Iran warns on Monday that talks with the United States (US) could be halted if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue.
Trump Chooses to Remain Silent if Iran Halts Peace Talks with the US
1 hari lalu
US President Donald Trump said he would choose silence if Iran suspends indirect peace talks with Washington.
Iran Says It Is Ready to Help Lebanon Confront Israeli Attacks
1 hari lalu
Iran warned that it would not hesitate to help Lebanon against Israel's "illegal aggression" against the country.
Iran Missile Hits U.S. Base in Kuwait, Injuring 7 Americans
1 hari lalu
Iran later said it had targeted a U.S. base in Kuwait, calling the attack retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian military sites over the weekend.
No US Deal Until Iranian Rights Secured, Says Negotiator Qalibaf
2 hari lalu
Iran negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf says Tehran will reject any U.S. deal that fails to guarantee Iranians' rights.
Trump Says Iran Has Agreed Not to Have Nuclear Weapons
2 hari lalu
Trump said the only guarantee from Iran is that it will not obtain nuclear weapons, without giving further details.
Trump: US 'Slowly But Surely' Reaching Deal With Iran
2 hari lalu
US President Donald Trump said the that the US is "slowly but surely" getting closer to a very good deal with Iran.
