The day's dominant story was the IRGC's missile and drone strikes on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, framed by state media as retaliation for US attacks on Qeshm Island and an oil tanker. CENTCOM confirmed intercepting most projectiles but acknowledged defensive strikes on Qeshm. By morning, Kuwait reported one dead and 63 wounded, and India confirmed a citizen killed. Two Iranian diplomats were expelled from Kuwait. Trump claimed Iran agreed to no nuclear weapons but might backtrack, while Rubio vowed Iran would never get them under Trump. Netanyahu warned Iran was 'playing with fire.' State-aligned outlets emphasized a new deterrence equation, while foreign-based sources highlighted civilian casualties and IAEA warnings of covert nuclear efforts. The day closed with Iran's navy claiming to target a US destroyer and Araqchi threatening immediate retaliation for any hostile act.
