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The United States military said it carried out self-defence strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island and intercepted a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting regional allies, according to US Central Command. The strikes came as civilian vessels and the Gulf nations of Kuwait and Bahrain came under attack, as reported by Al Jazeera and France 24.

Kuwait's military said its air defence systems intercepted incoming drones and missiles, while Bahrain's Interior Ministry said warning sirens were activated, according to Al Jazeera. Earlier, Iranian media reported explosions in the vicinity of Qeshm Island.

Coverage Comparison

The initial report from Al Jazeera focused on the US military's self-defence strikes, quoting CENTCOM as saying its forces had "defeated multiple" Iranian missiles and drones. The report also noted that Kuwait and Bahrain came under attack, with Kuwait's air defence systems intercepting incoming projectiles and Bahrain activating warning sirens.

France 24 provided more specific details, reporting that Iran launched seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, with US forces intercepting six and a seventh failing to reach its target. The outlet also reported that Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they had hit "enemy bases" in the Gulf.

Later reports from France 24 and Al Jazeera covered additional developments, including the imposition of new US sanctions on Iran, statements from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the Israeli military's vow to strike Iran with force. Al Jazeera also reported on President Donald Trump's comments on Truth Social condemning Israeli attacks on Beirut.

Key Claims

  • US self-defence strikes: The US military conducted strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island, as reported by both Al Jazeera and France 24.
  • Missile and drone interceptions: US forces intercepted multiple Iranian missiles and drones, with France 24 reporting that seven ballistic missiles were launched toward Kuwait and Bahrain, six of which were intercepted and a seventh failing to reach its target. Kuwait's air defence systems also intercepted incoming projectiles, and Bahrain activated warning sirens, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Revolutionary Guards claim: Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had hit "enemy bases" in the Gulf, according to France 24.
  • New sanctions on Iran: The United States imposed new sanctions targeting a network allegedly using front companies in the UAE and China to export Liquefied Petroleum Gas from Iran to South and Eastern Asia, as reported by France 24.
  • Araghchi dismisses Trump meeting: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the idea of his country's supreme leader meeting Donald Trump, saying "I think we should be realistic and think and live in the real world," according to France 24.
  • Iran launches missiles at Israel: Iran launched missiles at Israel for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took effect in early April, as reported by France 24.
  • Israeli military chief's vow: Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir vowed that the military would strike Iran "with force" upon receiving orders, according to France 24.
  • Rubio denies sanctions relief: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Trump's negotiating team has not offered Iran any sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by France 24.
  • Israel-Lebanon talks stall: The first day of direct talks between ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon in Washington made no headway, as reported by France 24.
  • Trump condemns Israeli attacks on Beirut: President Trump commented on Truth Social, condemning Israeli attacks on Beirut, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

  • US Central Command: The US military said its strikes on Qeshm Island were "self-defence" and that it had "defeated multiple" Iranian missiles and drones.
  • Iran's Revolutionary Guards: The Guards said they had hit "enemy bases" in the Gulf and attacked the headquarters of "terrorist groups" in Iraqi Kurdistan, as reported by France 24.
  • Israeli military: Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir vowed to strike Iran "with force" upon receiving orders, as reported by France 24.
  • Kuwait and Bahrain: Both countries reported taking defensive measures against incoming projectiles, with Kuwait saying its air defence intercepted drones and missiles and Bahrain activating warning sirens.
  • US State Department: Marco Rubio denied that sanctions relief was offered to Iran in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Israeli and Lebanese diplomats: The first day of direct talks between ambassadors in Washington made no headway, according to France 24, indicating a lack of progress amid ongoing tensions.