WAR Iran/ US/mideast war thread - 2/28/26 Open Hostilities (Thread for Off Topic discussion started, see post #13,751, page 344)
- Thread starter danielboon
- Start date
danielboon
TB Fanatic
I wonder if they will be stupid and target Israel next
jward
passin' thru
zerohedge.com
Throughout the morning Secretary of State Marco Rubio was fielding questions on Capitol Hill. He too insisted that talks are ongoing, despite a Tuesday Iranian denial. He claimed the regime is 'fragmented' and because of this, back-and-forth messaging is extremely slow-going. "Iranian people would make a deal tomorrow if it were up to them," Rubio said. "The Supreme Leader and the IRGC are a bit more immune to pressures."
He also generally acknowledged that Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, and then said this justified the US naval blockade of Iranian ports in turn. There was also this interesting exchange when he echoed Trump's line that the war is actually 'over' at this point...
Rubio in the hot seat over Iran war:
"An informed source says that the exchange of messages between Iran and the US has been stopped for at least a few days for what is called the initial memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington," Fars reports. So this is Iran in effect saying 'not so fast' - as it seeks to 'hold the cards' and maintain some leverage. Trump has not indicated a willingness to resume bombing the Islamic Republic, but his patience has seemed to be wearing thin over the last several days, as the White House is boxed in to only choosing among several 'bad options' in the wake of launching a war of choice 95 days ago.
Oil spikes on the negative news from Tehran, extends:
And more confirmation via newswires:
"American sources for AI Hadath: Proposal for a 60-day plan during which Israel withdraws gradually from southern Lebanon": AI Hadath reports.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did affirm he would adhere to the agreement, and reports say that planned new airstrikes on Beirut were called off, but he also warned the attacks on the capital would go ahead "if Hezbollah does not stop attacking our cities and civilians" - and that forces in the south would continue operating.
BBC has freshly written that "While the ceasefire appears to be largely holding, there was further violence overnight." The same report details:
Trump is said to have told Netanyahu "you’re ****ing crazy’" while demanding Lebanon truce: "I’m saving your ass," he also reportedly said. Iran early Monday said it halted talks with Washington because of Israel's escalation in Lebanon.
There's been some reaction from Iran to the Axios report, with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi having remarked, "In this regard, the US president’s claim of having dissuaded Netanyahu from launching a major attack on Beirut is more than a sign of Washington’s peace-seeking, it’s confirmation of America’s direct role in managing the Zionist regime’s aggressions."
Mark Levin rages over White House leaks of Trump-Netanyahu call...
Iran Sends Missiles, Drones Targeting Airbases In Kuwait After US Nighttime Attack On Qeshm Island
Summary:
- Two bases come under fresh missile attack in Kuwait, Fars and Reuters report. Iran state media says retaliation for night US attack on Qeshm Island.
- rump insists reports that Iran & US have not been talking for days is 'fake news'; Rubio also tells Congress talks are ongoing, despite fresh Iranian denials, and even claims the nuclear file is part of it.
- Washington has seen the Lebanon partial truce as opportunity enough to press forward on broader talks, with Trump saying he expects a broader Iran deal "over the next week".
- But Fars denies this Tuesday: "exchange of messages between Iran & the US has been stopped for at least a few days" on MOU.
- In Lebanon, "While the ceasefire appears to be largely holding, there was further violence overnight," reports BBC, with more dead & wounded on both sides.
More Missiles Fired On Kuwait
In the overnight hours local time, Kuwait is reporting inbound missiles and drones, with Fars reporting that two American bases were targeted. Per a breaking Reuters report:Tasnim: "Blasts reported at Kuwait's Ali al-Salem US airbase" after three missiles were fired. And the latest from CNN:
Sirens have also been activated in Bahrain, for unknown cause. New IRGC statement:
US Military Fires on Non-compliant vessel
In fresh action CENTCOM has announced it has fired on another vessel which was non-compliant to the US blockade:- CENTCOM SAYS DISABLED NON-COMPLIANT VESSEL IN ARABIAN GULF
- CENTCOM: DISABLED VESSEL W/ HELLFIRE MISSILE TO ENGINE ROOM
Trump: It's 'Fake News' That Iran & US Stopped Speaking Days Ago
President Trump in a fresh Truth Social post has again insisted that Washington and Tehran are talking again. "The conversations between us have been going on continuously... where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, 'It's time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal.'"
Throughout the morning Secretary of State Marco Rubio was fielding questions on Capitol Hill. He too insisted that talks are ongoing, despite a Tuesday Iranian denial. He claimed the regime is 'fragmented' and because of this, back-and-forth messaging is extremely slow-going. "Iranian people would make a deal tomorrow if it were up to them," Rubio said. "The Supreme Leader and the IRGC are a bit more immune to pressures."
He also generally acknowledged that Iran has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, and then said this justified the US naval blockade of Iranian ports in turn. There was also this interesting exchange when he echoed Trump's line that the war is actually 'over' at this point...
Hawks like Ted Cruz want to know of any other regime change tactics going on...
A potential new nuclear framework regarding Iran was also a central topic to Tuesday's Congressional testimony:
Big if true, there is still too much smoke and noise:
The above was spoken with a few too many caveats... "which could happen today, it could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week..."
Rubio in the hot seat over Iran war:
Iran Denies Progress, Halt in Talks Still in Effect
State media has belatedly responded to Trump's Monday claim that talks between the US and Iran are back on. Trump has even said Tuesday that he expects an agreement for an extended ceasefire to take place "over the next week" - along with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz."An informed source says that the exchange of messages between Iran and the US has been stopped for at least a few days for what is called the initial memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington," Fars reports. So this is Iran in effect saying 'not so fast' - as it seeks to 'hold the cards' and maintain some leverage. Trump has not indicated a willingness to resume bombing the Islamic Republic, but his patience has seemed to be wearing thin over the last several days, as the White House is boxed in to only choosing among several 'bad options' in the wake of launching a war of choice 95 days ago.
Oil spikes on the negative news from Tehran, extends:
And more confirmation via newswires:
Latest on the Lebanon front:
"American sources for AI Hadath: Proposal for a 60-day plan during which Israel withdraws gradually from southern Lebanon": AI Hadath reports.
- "Negotiations propose the deployment of the Lebanese army and UNIFIL in southern Lebanon after Israel's withdrawal."
- "Lebanon seeks to resolve Hezbollah's weapons file politically, but after Israel's complete withdrawal."
Lebanon Fighting Persists Amid Nominal Ceasefire
Various regional and international reports have documented serious ongoing fighting in Lebanon, despite President Trump the day prior having declared that the shooting will cease and that Hezbollah and Israel were forging a limited ceasefire. Trump had said of both sides that "they agreed that all shooting will stop" - after Iran announcing it had suspended peace talks with the US over Israeli military action in Lebanon.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did affirm he would adhere to the agreement, and reports say that planned new airstrikes on Beirut were called off, but he also warned the attacks on the capital would go ahead "if Hezbollah does not stop attacking our cities and civilians" - and that forces in the south would continue operating.
BBC has freshly written that "While the ceasefire appears to be largely holding, there was further violence overnight." The same report details:
Tuesday has witnessed some ongoing attacks on south Lebanon, as well as Hezbollah drone attacks on Israeli troop positions, wounding some. According to some of the latest from Al Jazeera:
There's also been a lot of explosions in the southern city of Tyre, with Israeli jets active in the airspace above on Tuesday. And rescuers have recovered six bodies from another town, with Lebanese civil defense agency having said in a statement: "Since yesterday evening and continuing until this morning … personnel have been carrying out search and rescue operations in a residential building that was targeted in the town of Marwaniyah – Sidon district."
Hezbollah's fiber-optic drone attacks have at the same time not ceased: "Two Israeli soldiers have been wounded in a Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon, the military says, describing their injuries as minor," Al Jazeera reports Tuesday. This is after "Two other Israeli soldiers were killed over the weekend, also in drone attacks, bringing to 26 the number of soldiers killed since fighting escalated three months ago. Four Israeli civilians have also been killed."
Impact of Trump's 'Steamrolling' Netanyahu in Monday Call
President Trump's angry dressing down of Netanyahu may have had very limited effect, it appears. To review, per Axios during a Monday call Trump was reportedly heard cussing at the Israeli leader and essentially 'steamrolled' him - angry over breaking the Lebanon truce and demanding that Israel's military not attack Beirut.Trump is said to have told Netanyahu "you’re ****ing crazy’" while demanding Lebanon truce: "I’m saving your ass," he also reportedly said. Iran early Monday said it halted talks with Washington because of Israel's escalation in Lebanon.
There's been some reaction from Iran to the Axios report, with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi having remarked, "In this regard, the US president’s claim of having dissuaded Netanyahu from launching a major attack on Beirut is more than a sign of Washington’s peace-seeking, it’s confirmation of America’s direct role in managing the Zionist regime’s aggressions."
The Iranian official continued to offer Tehran's vew: "If the decision to attack the capital of an independent state can be changed with a single phone call the main question is: why did months of ceasefire violations, aggression against Lebanon, the displacement of its people, and threats to this country’s sovereignty – backed by Western political and military support – continue unabated?" he remarked.
Mark Levin rages over White House leaks of Trump-Netanyahu call...
Trump Returns to Optimism: Agreement 'Over the Next Week'
But Washington has seen the Lebanon partial truce as opportunity enough to press forward on broader talks. While there's hasn't been full confirmation from Tehran's side, Trump has declared the talks as back on:The very same network points on Tuesday morning:
So, once again Trump touting the likelihood of a deal to reopen Hormuz by next week seems extremely wishful and ambitious, to say the least. And we've heard all this before, and been here many times over the past 95 days of war.
Iran Sends Missiles, Drones Targeting Airbases In Kuwait After US Nighttime Attack On Qeshm Island<!-- --> | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
www.zerohedge.com
Iran Sends Missiles, Drones Targeting Airbases In Kuwait After US Nighttime Attack On Qeshm Island<!-- --> | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
www.zerohedge.com
jward
passin' thru
Thomas van Linge
@ThomasVLinge
11s
Kuwait : air-raid sirens go off as Iranian missiles are attacking the Ali al-Salem airbase.
Kuwaiti air defense systems are being activated to engage the missiles over the city.
rt 33
View: https://twitter.com/ThomasVLinge/status/2061951810143694887?s=20
jward
passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
BREAKING: Alarms and explosions are now being reported over Dubai.
This widens it again, a fourth Gulf state pulled in after Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
As always, those explosions could be impacts or interceptors firing overhead, and nothing on damage is confirmed yet.
Source: Geopolitics Watch
View: https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2061951266947825748?s=20
@MarioNawfal
BREAKING: Alarms and explosions are now being reported over Dubai.
This widens it again, a fourth Gulf state pulled in after Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
As always, those explosions could be impacts or interceptors firing overhead, and nothing on damage is confirmed yet.
Source: Geopolitics Watch
View: https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2061951266947825748?s=20
jward
passin' thru
Pete Hegseth reposted
U.S. Central Command
@CENTCOM
CENTCOM Disables Non-Compliant Vessel in Arabian Gulf
TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. forces disabled an unladen oil tanker that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port on the Arabian Gulf, June 2.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) enforced blockade measures against Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it transited international waters toward Kharg Island. The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings, failing to comply with directions from U.S. forces multiple times over a 24-hour period.
A U.S. aircraft ultimately disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, preventing the tanker from reaching Iran.
CENTCOM began implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13. U.S. forces have disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues.
rt 22
View: https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2061913458396844123?s=20
U.S. Central Command
@CENTCOM
CENTCOM Disables Non-Compliant Vessel in Arabian Gulf
TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. forces disabled an unladen oil tanker that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port on the Arabian Gulf, June 2.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) enforced blockade measures against Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it transited international waters toward Kharg Island. The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings, failing to comply with directions from U.S. forces multiple times over a 24-hour period.
A U.S. aircraft ultimately disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, preventing the tanker from reaching Iran.
CENTCOM began implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13. U.S. forces have disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues.
rt 22
View: https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2061913458396844123?s=20
From April of this year........
Posted for fair use......
Inside Qeshm: How Iran’s fortress island holds the key to the Strait of Hormuz
Qeshm is one of two Iranian islands in focus as the US weighs an invasion to break the lock on the Strait
www.independent.co.uk
Qeshm: Iran’s fortress island with an underground ‘missile city’ threatening US troops in Hormuz
Qeshm is one of two Iranian islands in focus as the US weighs an invasion to break the lock on the Strait
James C. Reynolds Wednesday 01 April 2026 14:14 BSTDonald Trump has kept the world guessing with his war in Iran, rushing thousands of troops to the region in a show of force while boasting of progress in talks that Tehran denies are happening.
The US says it has destroyed more than 10,000 targets and over 100 Iranian ships since its war began in February, but the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran’s grip, causing a crisis in global markets and weakening US leverage.
A large island housing anti-ship missiles in the Strait has been briefed as a possible target of a ground offensive to break Iran’s grip, alongside key oil export hub Kharg Island.
Qeshm is a 558sq mile stretch off mainland Iran that has been fortified with an underground missile “city” that is used intermittently to attack ships passing through the waterway.
In peacetime, Qeshm is a tourist destination dotted with salt caves and the remnants of fortifications installed by European empires. The Royal Indian Navy operated out of the island until 1863 and the last coaling station for the Royal Navy was abandoned in 1935 at the request of the Shah.
Since then, Iran has reconstituted the island with missiles, drones and fast-attack boats. Exact details are kept confidential, but retired Lebanese Brigadier-General Hassan Jouni, a military and strategic expert, told Al Jazeera that the island has the ability to strike from an underground “missile city”.
According to Can Kasapoğlu, a defence analyst, satellite imagery suggests Iran has installed a “significant portion of its anti-ship missiles in underground launch positions on Qeshm”.
He wrote for the Hudson Institute, a conservative think tank based in Washington, that “any US campaign in the region would likely centre on two decisive islands: Kharg and Qeshm”.
Qeshm island: Iran's unsinkable aircraft carrier guarding the Strait of Hormuz
Kharg island handles some 90 per cent of Iran’s oil exports, and taking it would give the US the ability to disrupt Iran’s energy trade and place enormous pressure on the economy. Iran has fortified the island with additional surface-to-air missiles and laid traps including anti-personnel and anti-armour mines in the waters surrounding it, CNN reported, citing people familiar with US intelligence.
Qeshm, meanwhile, operates as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) “primary denial hub”, a much larger base designed to shut the door on traffic approaching the Strait of Hormuz, Mr Kasapoğlu explained.
“Taking Qeshm is also most likely the harder fight,” he wrote. “The island’s size, terrain, and proximity to the mainland favour the defender. Iranian reinforcement efforts there would likely be continuous.”
Even if the US can take it, it would come at a high cost with relatively little strategic return, he said.
Rashid Al-Mohanadi, vice-president of Centre of International Policy Research and an expert in Gulf security told The Telegraph that “Qeshm is likely to have the whole shebang” prepared for a possible invasion.
“Of course the island would have anti-ship capabilities, the coast is likely mined, the beaches booby-trapped and so on,” he said, adding that an additional threat would come from Iran’s ability to launch strikes from the mainland.
While Trump has said the US and Iran are making progress in talks, he has also been sending more troops to the region, leading Iran's parliament speaker to accuse Washington of sending contradictory messages about negotiations while planning a ground invasion.
The Iranian islands in focus as US troops arrive in the Middle East
The Wall Street Journal reported late on Tuesday that the UAE is now preparing to help the US and allies open the Strait by force, having suggested the US occupy strategic islands, according to the report.
But in shifting remarks, the president also said on Tuesday that the US could leave within as little as two weeks and without having to agree a deal with Tehran.
Asked if successful diplomacy was a prerequisite for the US to end what it calls "Operation Epic Fury", he told reporters: “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal, no.”
jward
passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
BREAKING: The skies over the Persian Gulf are in chaos right now, with dozens of passenger jets circling and unable to land across the Emirates and neighboring states.
Once Bahrain and others shut their airspace, every inbound flight had nowhere to go.
So now you have packed airliners holding in the air, burning fuel, waiting on diversions to airports that may also be closed.
Some will end up turning back entirely.
Source: CIG on TG
View: https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2061953216321900885?s=20
jward
passin' thru
TankerTrackers.com, Inc.
@TankerTrackers
A VLCC supertanker is loading crude oil at Kharg Island, Iran for the first time in four weeks.
View: https://twitter.com/TankerTrackers/status/2061954285991039169?s=20
@TankerTrackers
A VLCC supertanker is loading crude oil at Kharg Island, Iran for the first time in four weeks.
View: https://twitter.com/TankerTrackers/status/2061954285991039169?s=20
jward
passin' thru
Babak Taghvaee - The Crisis Watch
@BabakTaghvaee1
51m
BREAKING: The IRGC Aerospace Force is now targeting Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, where a large number of U.S. military aircraft are deployed in support of operations enforcing the naval blockade of Iran.
According to multiple eyewitness reports received from inside Iran, the IRGC Aerospace Force launched at least five ballistic missiles from the Shahid Chamran Missile Complex near Jam, Bushehr Province, between 02:19 and 02:24 local time. The launches were observed from Jam, Kangan, and surrounding areas. Based on the launch location and trajectory toward the southern Persian Gulf, Al Dhafra Air Base is assessed to be the likely target.
jward
passin' thru
Trent Telenko reposted
Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping)
@mercoglianos
Tankers dominate coordination with PGSA for safe crossings as truce talks stall
PGSA today released data showing that tankers make up the majority of vessels requesting safe passage across the Strait of Hormuz
More than 300 non-Iranian vessels have been in contact with the PGSA since it was first established in April
An immediate return to pre-war levels of traffic is unlikely. Time will be needed if an agreement is signed given inherent security threats that will need to be resolved
Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping)
@mercoglianos
Tankers dominate coordination with PGSA for safe crossings as truce talks stall
PGSA today released data showing that tankers make up the majority of vessels requesting safe passage across the Strait of HormuzMore than 300 non-Iranian vessels have been in contact with the PGSA since it was first established in AprilAn immediate return to pre-war levels of traffic is unlikely. Time will be needed if an agreement is signed given inherent security threats that will need to be resolved
jward
passin' thru
upuknews
@upuknews1
30m
#BREAKING: Bahrain, Kuwait, and UAE Airspace Closed, Flights Suspended
Flight operations have reportedly been suspended across Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates amid escalating regional security concerns and reports of aerial threats.
Airports have implemented emergency measures, while Bahrain has reportedly closed its airspace from 03:30 to 16:00 UTC, permitting only pre-approved flights during that period.
@upuknews1
30m
#BREAKING: Bahrain, Kuwait, and UAE Airspace Closed, Flights Suspended
Flight operations have reportedly been suspended across Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates amid escalating regional security concerns and reports of aerial threats.
Airports have implemented emergency measures, while Bahrain has reportedly closed its airspace from 03:30 to 16:00 UTC, permitting only pre-approved flights during that period.
jward
passin' thru
EndGameWW3 reposted
Aleph א
@no_itsmyturn
11m
The IRGC says its Naval Force targeted the MSC PANAYA container ship in response to US forces striking the M/T Lexie oil tanker (which was heading to an Iranian port) after it failed to adhere to warnings from US forces.
The IRGC also says US forces struck an IRGC communication tower on Qeshm Island, and claims it targeted a US airbase and helicopters in the region as well as the US Fifth Fleet naval center in response.
Aleph א
@no_itsmyturn
11m
The IRGC says its Naval Force targeted the MSC PANAYA container ship in response to US forces striking the M/T Lexie oil tanker (which was heading to an Iranian port) after it failed to adhere to warnings from US forces.
The IRGC also says US forces struck an IRGC communication tower on Qeshm Island, and claims it targeted a US airbase and helicopters in the region as well as the US Fifth Fleet naval center in response.
auxman
Deus vult...
Spaz Lookner livestream...
www.youtube.com
New Fighting Reported in Iran War - LIVE Breaking News Coverage
There is new fighting reported in the Iran war, with explosions reported in Iran and Kuwait. Get the latest on the possible new fighting in the Iran war in o...
www.youtube.com
jward
passin' thru
Lucas Tomlinson reposted
GeoInsider
@InsiderGeo
2h
The M/T Lexie disabled by U.S. forces today in the Arabian Gulf has been under U.S. sanctions since March 2025 designated by the State Department for ship-to-ship transfers moving millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil.
Its registered owner is Sea Services Providers NV a shell company based in Paramaribo, Suriname, established in 2022. Suriname is a letterbox. The company was created specifically to own this vessel and distance it from Iranian fingerprints. The real beneficial owner deliberately buried under layers of intermediaries.
The Botswana flag is equally telling. Botswana does not operate a ship registry. It never has. The IMO itself identified 17 vessels fraudulently broadcasting Botswana registration all shadow fleet. Flying a flag from a landlocked country with no maritime registry is a well-documented shadow fleet tactic to appear registered while remaining effectively stateless and unaccountable.
GeoInsider
@InsiderGeo
2h
The M/T Lexie disabled by U.S. forces today in the Arabian Gulf has been under U.S. sanctions since March 2025 designated by the State Department for ship-to-ship transfers moving millions of barrels of Iranian crude oil.
Its registered owner is Sea Services Providers NV a shell company based in Paramaribo, Suriname, established in 2022. Suriname is a letterbox. The company was created specifically to own this vessel and distance it from Iranian fingerprints. The real beneficial owner deliberately buried under layers of intermediaries.
The Botswana flag is equally telling. Botswana does not operate a ship registry. It never has. The IMO itself identified 17 vessels fraudulently broadcasting Botswana registration all shadow fleet. Flying a flag from a landlocked country with no maritime registry is a well-documented shadow fleet tactic to appear registered while remaining effectively stateless and unaccountable.
jward
passin' thru
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
48m
BREAKING: Flight tracking reportedly shows two KC-46A aerial tankers heading back to Tel Aviv, the kind of aircraft that would have refueled the jets behind the strike on Qeshm Island.
If that read is right, it fills in the missing piece.
The tanker movement points to a real air operation against Qeshm, the same strike Iran cited as its reason for tonight's missile barrage on the Gulf.
It also puts the staging out of Tel Aviv, pointing back toward a joint U.S. and Israeli effort.
Source: @DD_Geopolitics
somewherepress
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Open Source Intel
@Osint613
Subscribe
BREAKING U.S. military: U.S. forces successfully defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East, June 2. Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors; however, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces. Moments earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters. American forces also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island. No U.S. personnel were harmed. CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.
6:36 PM · Jun 2, 2026
@Osint613
Subscribe
BREAKING U.S. military: U.S. forces successfully defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East, June 2. Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors; however, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces. Moments earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters. American forces also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island. No U.S. personnel were harmed. CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.
6:36 PM · Jun 2, 2026
somewherepress
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Mossad Commentary
@MOSSADil
Subscribe
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has now issued the following statement: "Last night, late in the evening, the U.S. aggressor army targeted an Iranian oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz with a Hellfire missile, causing damage to the engine room. In response to this aggression and violation of Strait of Hormuz regulations, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard targeted a hostile Zionist-American ship, 'Banaya,' with missiles. In a new act of aggression, the U.S. enemy also targeted communications of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard on Qeshm Island. In response to this aggression, its air base and helicopter aircraft station stationed in one of the region's countries (Kuwait), along with the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, came under attack from missiles and drones belonging to the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard. We had previously warned that in the event of aggression, the response would be different and harsher, and we have acted accordingly. These responses should serve as a lesson. We reiterate that undermining the security of the Strait of Hormuz will cost the U.S. aggressor army a heavy price."
Quote
Mossad Commentary
@MOSSADil
·
45m
BREAKING: CENTCOM says U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island. x.com/MOSSADil/statu…
6:54 PM · Jun 2, 2026
Wildweasel
F-4 Phantoms Phorever
That would tie in with a video posted this afternoon showing two B-52s loaded with cruise missiles leaving RAF Fairford today.
Mario Nawfal
@MarioNawfal
48m
BREAKING: Flight tracking reportedly shows two KC-46A aerial tankers heading back to Tel Aviv, the kind of aircraft that would have refueled the jets behind the strike on Qeshm Island.
If that read is right, it fills in the missing piece.
The tanker movement points to a real air operation against Qeshm, the same strike Iran cited as its reason for tonight's missile barrage on the Gulf.
It also puts the staging out of Tel Aviv, pointing back toward a joint U.S. and Israeli effort.
Source: @DD_Geopolitics
Posted for fair use......
www.twz.com
U.S. Central Command says it "conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island."
Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick
Updated Jun 3, 2026 4:41 AM EDT
291 Comments
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Tuesday evening said “U.S. forces successfully defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones” in attacks launched at allies Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran said the strikes were in response to U.S. attacks. This is yet another round of tit-for-tat strikes that have become something of regularity since the ceasefire deal was reached between the U.S. and Iran.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said “Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors; however, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces. Moments earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters.”
Additional video showed what appears to be Patriot munitions fired to intercept Iranian missiles.
American forces “also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island,” CENTCOM stated. “No U.S. personnel were harmed. CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.”
Kuwait officials say they came under ballistic missile attack, while explosions were reported in Bahrain.
“Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks,” Kuwait’s Army stated on X. “The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks. Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities.”
“The siren has been sounded,” Bahrain’s Interior Ministry stated on X. “Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.”
Iran said it launched retaliation strikes.
“Following the hostile actions of the U.S. in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Qeshm Island, American bases in Kuwait were hit,” the official Iranian IRIB news outlet claimed on X in a post that included video of what appears to be missiles landing.
IRIB posted another video it claimed showed an air defense munition exploding in a civilian area. TWZ cannot independently confirm any of these claims.
The Iranian news outlet also showed video of what it said were missiles flying over Bahrain.
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced U.S. forces “disabled an unladen oil tanker that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port on the Arabian Gulf.”
In a post on X, CENTCOM said it “enforced blockade measures against Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it transited international waters toward Kharg Island. The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings, failing to comply with directions from U.S. forces multiple times over a 24-hour period.”
A U.S. aircraft “ultimately disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, preventing the tanker from reaching Iran,” the command added.
This marks the sixth commercial vessel disabled by CENTCOM, which has also redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues.
You can see video of the Hellfire strike on the M/T Lexie below.
Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed reports that Iran has also attacked Iraq as well. We have reached out to CENTCOM for more information and will update this story with any pertinent details provided.
It isn’t clear who fired on who first that set off this chain of events. The U.S. has been responding to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz area, including on U.S. Navy ships, with strikes like those described on Qeshm island, but we don’t know if that was exactly the case in this instance.
This is a developing story.
UPDATE: 10:30 PM EDT –
In another post on X, CENTCOM said that an “additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack U.S. forces in Kuwait failed to impact intended targets tonight. U.S. Central Command air defenses successfully downed multiple drones and ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.”
UPDATE: 4:34 AM EDT June 3 –
Video and images are emerging showing the aftermath of Iranian attacks on Kuwait International Airport.
In a post on X, the official spokesman for Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, stated that “a number of hostile drones targeted today the passenger building (T1) at Kuwait International Airport as a result of the criminal Iranian aggression, which resulted in significant material damage to the building and injuries to a number of individuals, who received the necessary medical care.”
Al-Otaibi added that “the armed forces are monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities, and they are in a state of complete readiness to deal with any developments, and to take all necessary measures to preserve the security of the country and its stability.”
Iran Launches New Attacks On Kuwait, Bahrain (Updated)
U.S. Central Command says it "conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island."
www.twz.com
Iran Launches New Attacks On Kuwait, Bahrain (Updated)
U.S. Central Command says it "conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island."
Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick
Updated Jun 3, 2026 4:41 AM EDT
291 Comments
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Tuesday evening said “U.S. forces successfully defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones” in attacks launched at allies Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran said the strikes were in response to U.S. attacks. This is yet another round of tit-for-tat strikes that have become something of regularity since the ceasefire deal was reached between the U.S. and Iran.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said “Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors; however, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces. Moments earlier, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters.”
Additional video showed what appears to be Patriot munitions fired to intercept Iranian missiles.
American forces “also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island,” CENTCOM stated. “No U.S. personnel were harmed. CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.”
Kuwait officials say they came under ballistic missile attack, while explosions were reported in Bahrain.
“Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks,” Kuwait’s Army stated on X. “The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks. Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities.”
“The siren has been sounded,” Bahrain’s Interior Ministry stated on X. “Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.”
Iran said it launched retaliation strikes.
“Following the hostile actions of the U.S. in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and Qeshm Island, American bases in Kuwait were hit,” the official Iranian IRIB news outlet claimed on X in a post that included video of what appears to be missiles landing.
IRIB posted another video it claimed showed an air defense munition exploding in a civilian area. TWZ cannot independently confirm any of these claims.
The Iranian news outlet also showed video of what it said were missiles flying over Bahrain.
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced U.S. forces “disabled an unladen oil tanker that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port on the Arabian Gulf.”
In a post on X, CENTCOM said it “enforced blockade measures against Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it transited international waters toward Kharg Island. The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings, failing to comply with directions from U.S. forces multiple times over a 24-hour period.”
A U.S. aircraft “ultimately disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, preventing the tanker from reaching Iran,” the command added.
This marks the sixth commercial vessel disabled by CENTCOM, which has also redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues.
You can see video of the Hellfire strike on the M/T Lexie below.
Meanwhile, there are unconfirmed reports that Iran has also attacked Iraq as well. We have reached out to CENTCOM for more information and will update this story with any pertinent details provided.
It isn’t clear who fired on who first that set off this chain of events. The U.S. has been responding to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz area, including on U.S. Navy ships, with strikes like those described on Qeshm island, but we don’t know if that was exactly the case in this instance.
This is a developing story.
UPDATE: 10:30 PM EDT –
In another post on X, CENTCOM said that an “additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack U.S. forces in Kuwait failed to impact intended targets tonight. U.S. Central Command air defenses successfully downed multiple drones and ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.”
UPDATE: 4:34 AM EDT June 3 –
Video and images are emerging showing the aftermath of Iranian attacks on Kuwait International Airport.
In a post on X, the official spokesman for Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, stated that “a number of hostile drones targeted today the passenger building (T1) at Kuwait International Airport as a result of the criminal Iranian aggression, which resulted in significant material damage to the building and injuries to a number of individuals, who received the necessary medical care.”
Al-Otaibi added that “the armed forces are monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities, and they are in a state of complete readiness to deal with any developments, and to take all necessary measures to preserve the security of the country and its stability.”
jward
passin' thru
Seth Frantzman
@sfrantzman
44m
Kuwait has said that its Terminal 4 is now being used for flights. It has condemned the Iranian attacks.
Iran is clearly trying to increase the escalation ladder with its attacks, claiming it is responding to US attacks. It is showing it can sow chaos across the region.
"The [Kuwait] Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Kuwait’s condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the brutal and continuous Iranian attacks with ballistic missiles and drones, the latest of which was at dawn today, which again targeted civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, resulting in the death of one person and the injury of others, as well as damage to vital facilities, including diplomatic missions." Al-Jarida
"The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on Wednesday the resumption of all Kuwait Airways flights only from Kuwait International Airport via passenger terminal “T4”, after the technical teams and competent authorities completed assessing the damages and taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of operational processes."
Iran's IRNA said that Iran struck in retaliation, the IRGC "said its naval forces launched missiles at a vessel identified as MSC Panaya, which it described as being affiliated with US and Israeli interests. The statement further said that US forces later targeted an IRGC communications tower in the southern part of Qeshm Island. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against a US air and helicopter base located in a regional country, as well as the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet. The IRGC warned that any future actions disrupting security in the Strait of Hormuz would result in a severe response."
@sfrantzman
44m
Kuwait has said that its Terminal 4 is now being used for flights. It has condemned the Iranian attacks.
Iran is clearly trying to increase the escalation ladder with its attacks, claiming it is responding to US attacks. It is showing it can sow chaos across the region.
"The [Kuwait] Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Kuwait’s condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the brutal and continuous Iranian attacks with ballistic missiles and drones, the latest of which was at dawn today, which again targeted civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, resulting in the death of one person and the injury of others, as well as damage to vital facilities, including diplomatic missions." Al-Jarida
"The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on Wednesday the resumption of all Kuwait Airways flights only from Kuwait International Airport via passenger terminal “T4”, after the technical teams and competent authorities completed assessing the damages and taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of operational processes."
Iran's IRNA said that Iran struck in retaliation, the IRGC "said its naval forces launched missiles at a vessel identified as MSC Panaya, which it described as being affiliated with US and Israeli interests. The statement further said that US forces later targeted an IRGC communications tower in the southern part of Qeshm Island. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against a US air and helicopter base located in a regional country, as well as the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet. The IRGC warned that any future actions disrupting security in the Strait of Hormuz would result in a severe response."
jward
passin' thru
Nicole Grajewski reposted
Yaroslav Trofimov
@yarotrof
1h
Iran striking a civilian airport terminal in Kuwait is a big step up the escalation ladder. Gruesome footage.
C14 News | EN
@Terror_Alarm
28m
At least one civilian was killed and nine others were injured in an Iranian missile and drone attack on Kuwait International Airport.
Yaroslav Trofimov
@yarotrof
1h
Iran striking a civilian airport terminal in Kuwait is a big step up the escalation ladder. Gruesome footage.
C14 News | EN
@Terror_Alarm
28m
At least one civilian was killed and nine others were injured in an Iranian missile and drone attack on Kuwait International Airport.
jward
passin' thru
Jason Brodsky reposted
Kasra Aarabi
@KasraAarabi
10m
This was entirely predictable. The IRGC believes two aspects of its wartime strategy have gone particularly well:
1. Closing the Strait of Hormuz
2. Unprovoked attacks on Gulf states
The IRGC will move to consolidate both— agreement or not.
Kasra Aarabi
@KasraAarabi
10m
This was entirely predictable. The IRGC believes two aspects of its wartime strategy have gone particularly well:
1. Closing the Strait of Hormuz
2. Unprovoked attacks on Gulf states
The IRGC will move to consolidate both— agreement or not.
jward
passin' thru
Jim Ferguson
@JimFergusonUK
14m
MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS ESCALATE AS IRAN AND U.S. EXCHANGE FIRE
Reports indicate Iranian drone and missile attacks targeted Kuwait and Bahrain overnight following U.S. military action in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, U.S. officials insist negotiations with Tehran remain active despite the latest escalation.
According to the reports, U.S. forces intercepted multiple threats while continuing operations against Iranian military assets. At the same time, Washington says discussions over Iran's nuclear program are still underway.
The contradiction is striking:
Diplomacy is continuing.
Military action is continuing.
And the stakes keep rising.
The coming days could determine whether the region moves toward a historic agreement... or a much wider conflict.
@JimFergusonUK
14m
MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS ESCALATE AS IRAN AND U.S. EXCHANGE FIRE
Reports indicate Iranian drone and missile attacks targeted Kuwait and Bahrain overnight following U.S. military action in the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, U.S. officials insist negotiations with Tehran remain active despite the latest escalation.
According to the reports, U.S. forces intercepted multiple threats while continuing operations against Iranian military assets. At the same time, Washington says discussions over Iran's nuclear program are still underway.
The contradiction is striking:
Diplomacy is continuing.
Military action is continuing.
And the stakes keep rising.
The coming days could determine whether the region moves toward a historic agreement... or a much wider conflict.
Daily digest: 2026-06-03
Get up to speed
No1Jun 03, 2026
TL;DR: today vs. yesterday
The ceasefire that never was finally produced bodies: overnight the US struck Qeshm Island and an oil tanker, Iran answered with ballistic missiles and drones on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, and Kuwait International Airport's Terminal 1 took a hit.1. Critical Alerts
- Iran–US ceasefire collapses into direct kinetic exchange. US struck Qeshm Island and Hellfired an oil tanker's engine room; Iran retaliated with ≥10 ballistic missiles and Shahed drones on US Ali Al-Salem Airbase and Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, plus the 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain (AMK Mapping overnight summary, Drop Site on the Kuwait strikes). Kuwait International Airport's Terminal 1 was "heavily damaged," flights suspended (Kuwait MoD via BRICS, damage confirmation). Bahrain claims it downed 3 missiles (AMK). HIGH — multi-source, including Iranian, Gulf-state and OSINT accounts.
- Iran's new doctrine: retaliate "at least 1.5x as hard," immediately. Tit-for-tat is over per an Iranian source (Trita Parsi); the escalation ladder ran Qeshm → Kuwait → Qeshm → Kuwait within hours (Nostra sequence). HIGH.
- The "talks" are a three-way contradiction. Trump calls reports of a freeze "fake news" and says he's "continuously" talking to Iran; Rubio tells Congress it can take "upward of 6 days" to hear back; Iran says no negotiations are happening (Trump via ZeroHedge, Rubio). HIGH.
2. Core Themes
Iran–US: ceasefire dead, Kuwait airport hit, Gulf airspace closing
- US CENTCOM says it has now disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 since the April 13 Iranian-port blockade (ZeroHedge); the latest was the M/T Lexie, Hellfired in the engine room.
- Iran still claims functional control of Hormuz: IRGC Navy says 24 ships transited in 24 hours "after obtaining permission" (MenchOsint).
- Gulf alignment is now the story: Oman sovereign, Saudi/Qatar "US-controlled," Kuwait/Bahrain/UAE "fully submitted" — and the latter group took the hits (MenchOsint map)… correction, MenchOsint. Explosions and sirens also reported in Dubai and Saudi.
- Patriot interceptor failures recurring over Kuwait, as previously in Qatar and Saudi (Patarames). Trump replaced DNI Gabbard with housing regulator Bill Pulte as acting director mid-crisis (ZeroHedge).
- Confidence: HIGH.
Lebanon: 15-minute "ceasefire," Israel threatens Tyre's Christian quarter
- Hezbollah and IDF traded fire through a nominal Monday ceasefire; Defense Minister Katz: "There is no ceasefire in Lebanon" (ZeroHedge, Katz).
- Israel issued evacuation orders for four towns near Sidon (AMK) and is threatening the Christian quarter of 5,000-year-old Tyre, a UNESCO site — framed by multiple accounts as an attempt to pit Christians against sheltering Shia civilians (Max Blumenthal, Hadi Nasrallah).
- The Trump–Netanyahu "expletive-laden call" over Lebanon escalation (Axios) is disputed as PR (Kevork Almassian); an Israeli source denied the specifics (Osint613).
- Confidence: HIGH.
Oil, fertilizer and the food chokepoint
- Oil spiked ~8% on Iran's talks-suspension line, then faded on Trump's reversal — Shanaka86's point: with Hormuz already shut, crude now trades the odds of a deal, not supply, while the SPR is drained to ~365M barrels to keep the screen calm (thread). WTI briefly near $92 (ZeroHedge); API showed crude -6.8MM (ZeroHedge).
- The under-covered crisis is fertilizer: ~a third of traded urea ships through Hormuz; India booked 2.5M tonnes at up to $1,136/tonne vs. ~$500 pre-war (Shanaka86). Thai rice +20% in May, the biggest monthly jump in the data since 2008 (Kobeissi).
- Russia is halting fuel exports until winter at its own carriers' request, with European kerosene shortages flagged for July–August (Lord Bebo). Kazakhstan is delaying maintenance at its top oilfield to 2027 to keep pumping (Javier Blas).
3. Weak Signals
- US warns Oman to pick the "right" side in the Hormuz standoff (ZeroHedge). LOW.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
ILRedAlert
@ILRedAlert
·
58m
Kuwait’s military said it intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones over the country since dawn, adding that the attack struck civilian and critical infrastructure, including Kuwait International Airport. The military said one Indian national was killed, several people were wounded, and significant material damage was reported.
danielboon
TB Fanatic
ILRedAlert
@ILRedAlert
·
59m
The IDF says two rockets launched from Lebanon were intercepted over northern Israel.
@ILRedAlert
·
59m
The IDF says two rockets launched from Lebanon were intercepted over northern Israel.