Capitals: Europe and the Arabs

CNN, citing informed sources, reported that the deaths of three American soldiers inside a US base in Kuwait resulted from a suspected drone attack. According to CNN, the sources indicated that the attack directly targeted the base.

Reports indicate that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the incident, at a time of escalating tensions in the region, which has placed US military bases on high alert.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that it had carried out two waves of attacks using missiles and drones, targeting what it described as "American and Zionist targets" in the region. In a statement, it said the attacks were part of a broad military response, without providing details about the timing of the operations or the extent of the damage.

The statement added that the attacks hit three oil tankers belonging to the United States and Britain in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as "violations." There was no immediate comment from Washington or London regarding these claims. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting the US naval base at Mina Salman port in Bahrain. It also announced the "complete" shutdown of the US base at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait following the recent attacks.

The statement further claimed that the operations targeted various US bases in the region, resulting in the death and injury of 560 US military personnel—a figure that has not yet been independently verified.

These statements come amidst an unprecedented escalation in the region. No official statements have yet been issued by the United States or the countries involved to confirm or deny the details of the IRGC's claims.

Regarding the Gulf states, the UAE's Financial Markets Authority announced the closure of the country's capital markets, including the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market, effective Monday until further notice. This measure was taken in accordance with the IRGC's regulatory and supervisory responsibilities and applicable laws and regulations.

The UAE authority, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), affirmed that it will continue to closely monitor developments in the region, continuously assess the situation, and take any necessary additional measures in light of evolving circumstances. The Authority urged those concerned to follow the official channels of the UAE Financial Markets Authority, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and the Dubai Financial Market for any further updates.

The UAE also announced the closure of its embassy in Tehran and the withdrawal of its ambassador and all members of its diplomatic mission from the Islamic Republic of Iran. This decision came in response to the blatant Iranian missile attacks targeting UAE territory, which constitute aggression against civilian sites, including residential areas, airports, ports, and service facilities. These attacks endangered innocent civilians in a dangerous and irresponsible escalation that represents a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that this decision reflects the UAE's firm and unwavering stance against any aggression that threatens its security and sovereignty. It also comes in light of the continued aggressive and provocative approach that undermines opportunities for de-escalation and pushes the region toward extremely dangerous paths, threatening regional and international security and stability, energy security, and the stability of the global economy. In the same vein, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates summoned the Iranian chargé d'affaires in Amman on Sunday and delivered a strongly worded protest message to his government regarding the attacks targeting Jordanian territory and other Arab states.

The ministry's official spokesperson, Ambassador Fouad Majali, stated that the ministry informed the chargé d'affaires of the necessity for an immediate cessation of attacks targeting Jordan, respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the rules of international law and the principles of good neighborliness.

Majali emphasized that the ministry firmly informed the chargé d'affaires that Jordan will take all available and necessary steps to protect the safety of its citizens, its security, and its sovereignty. In Kuwait, Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, the official spokesperson for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, announced that the Kuwaiti Air Defense Forces intercepted several aerial targets with efficiency and competence early Monday morning. He confirmed that the operations took place within the operational area in the central part of the country, and no casualties were reported.

The Ministry stated in a press release carried by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the detection and interception of the aerial targets were part of its full readiness to protect the nation's airspace. The Ministry emphasized the armed forces' ability to deal with any potential threats.

The statement affirmed that the Kuwaiti Armed Forces are continuing to carry out their duties to counter any potential developments, ensuring the security and stability of the country amidst the tense regional situation. Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, the official spokesperson for the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense, also announced that the Air Defense Forces have detected 97 Iranian ballistic missiles launched towards Kuwait and 283 drones since the beginning of the Iranian aggression. Colonel Al-Atwan, in a statement carried by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), indicated that the missiles and drones were dealt with according to the rules of engagement, and a number of them were destroyed. He explained that the effective interception of the missiles and drones resulted in some debris falling on several facilities in various parts of the country, causing minor material damage.

The statement urged citizens and residents to obtain information from official sources and avoid circulating rumors or unreliable information.

The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force announced that its missile air defense systems intercepted Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, confirming the successful destruction and downing of 61 missiles and 34 drones. In a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency, the General Command clarified that the total number of hostile attacks dealt with was 61 missiles and 34 drones, emphasizing that all defense systems are at maximum readiness to ensure an immediate and decisive response to any threat. 

The General Command indicated that the use of ballistic missiles and drones to target civilian infrastructure and private property constitutes a grave violation of the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction and proportionality, considering these indiscriminate attacks a direct threat to regional peace and security.

The Kingdom affirmed its legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and security.

The Bahraini Ministry of Interior also announced that a fire broke out on board a foreign vessel in Salman Industrial City as a result of missile debris, leading to the death of an Asian worker and injuries to two others. This incident reflects the repercussions of Iran's war on maritime navigation in the region. The Bahraini Ministry of Interior explained that the debris resulted from a missile launch linked to the military escalation in the region, noting that the relevant authorities are taking investigative and safety measures to prevent any similar incidents.

The statement indicated that the incident resulted in the death of an Asian worker and injuries to two others, amidst repeated warnings about the impact of Iran's war on maritime security in the Arabian Gulf. This comes as Israeli media confirmed on Sunday that the death toll among Israeli settlers had risen to nine, with 57 others injured, after an Iranian missile struck the settlement of Beit Shemesh near occupied Jerusalem.

The Israeli army revealed the results of the first day of joint air operations with the United States against Iran, asserting that it had assassinated 40 key Iranian commanders in just one minute during the opening strike on Saturday. The army indicated that the air force targeted Iranian leaders with unprecedented precision thanks to "golden" intelligence from military intelligence.

Channel 12 reported on Sunday that Israeli assessments confirm the elimination of hundreds of Iranian regime figures and personnel during dozens of concentrated airstrikes in the heart of Tehran.

On Saturday morning, Israeli and American forces launched a series of intensive airstrikes targeting vital Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Tehran, for its part, announced the launch of a large-scale attack using missiles and drones. The Israeli army and Hebrew media said that the attacks targeted dozens of military sites, in addition to directly targeting symbols of the Iranian leadership, most notably Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.