Sirens sound across Bahrain, Kuwait as Iran threatens 'heavy costs' following US strikes

ByARIELLA ROITMANJULY 17, 2026 02:59Updated: JULY 17, 2026 07:14Sirens sounded across Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar early Friday morning as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US military infrastructure in the region, as the renewed conflict between the two countries enters its sixth day.Bahrain’s Interior Ministry urged citizens to head to safe locations following the activation of sirens in a post to X/Twitter.Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that the target of the Iranian attack on Bahrain was US helicopters and reconnaissance aircraft located at the Shakir Airbase, the country's military airport.“In response to the enemy’s hostile action of targeting urban infrastructure and innocent people, the Iranian Army, in the eleventh phase of the “Thunder” operation, targeted the location where helicopters and US military P8 surveillance aircraft are stationed,” said Tasnim ’s report, citing the Iranian army. Iran's army added that it would respond “quickly and decisively” to any counter attacks from the US, stating that any retaliation would have a “heavy cost.” Bahrain civil defense and rescue personnel work in a residential building, which according to the Bahraini Interior Ministry, was hit by an Iranian drone, in Muharraq, Bahrain, June 28, 2026. (credit: Bahrain Police Media/Handout via REUTERS)Later on Friday, sirens sounded in Bahrain for the second time, according to the country's interior ministry.Kuwait intercepts Iranian drones, missilesIn Kuwait, the nation's air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and drones. In a post on X, Kuwait's army clarified that any explosions heard are a result of air defense systems intercepting incoming attacks. The IRGC claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying it was targeting US military facilities, forces, and logistical support facilities with drones, according to a report by Iran's semi-official Mehr News. The Iranian army said that it would "stand with vigilance and strength against any pressure or threat," drawing on its history, public support, experience, and combat readiness," added Mehr.Qatar says it thwarted missile attack, security threat overQatar's Defense Ministry said on Friday its armed forces thwarted a missile attack, while the Interior Ministry said the security threat was over.Several booms were heard in the capital Doha as a government security alert was sent to mobile phones, according to a witness. The ministries did not say who was behind the attack.Later on Friday, several booms were heard again in Doha, following the government's second security alert sent to citizens' mobile phones, according to a witness.Qatar's Defense Ministry confirmed later that it had intercepted several air attacks. Additionally, the country's interior ministry confirmed in a post on X that one child sustained injuries from fallen shrapnel following an interception and is currently receiving medical treatment.Reuters contributed to this report. Follow us on Google