After the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran, Tehran responded by stricking every country in the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel and even its allies like Oman.
The current round of escalation, however, has witnessed more intense Iranian military actions against three regional countries: Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan — countries that have given the US access to use their territories for regional bases.
It is an indication that the Islamic Republic is making a more concerted effort to use smaller countries to display its capability to inflict damage, while retaining more options to escalate further against other countries if needed.
While Iran has sporadically launched attacks against other countries in the region since the latest round of escalation this month, Bahrain, which hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, and Kuwait, which hosts US bases such as Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base, have reported near-daily attacks since June 8.
Iran has also intensified its strikes on Jordan since last week, killing two American service members. Another soldier is still missing and others were injured.
While Tehran claims it is targeting US military installations and assets in the region, it has also been striking civilian infrastructure, including Kuwait’s sensitive water desalination infrastructure and Bahrain’s civil aviation navigation systems. It has also launched attacks on Kuwait International Airport in recent weeks, damaging a newly renovated terminal.
Beyond Iran’s stated goal of targeting these countries for their support of the US, Tehran’s strikes on these nations may also carry a political dimension. Bahrain has cracked down on segments of its Shiite population for their alleged support of Iran, while Kuwaiti authorities have prosecuted dozens of individuals for expressing sympathy with the Islamic Republic.
Iran could also be keeping its options open for strikes against other countries in the region — such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel — treating them as the next step up the escalation ladder, which is a big indication that Iran could be trying to still contain the current round of escalation.