28/06/2026 06:17 - Internacionales
Iran attacked with missiles and drones military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in retaliation for the United States bombings on 10 Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz. The CENTCOM (US Central Command) confirmed the attacks ordered by Donald Trump in response to the previous Iranian attack against the ship M/T Kiku.
Kuwait managed to repel the attack using its air defenses, while Bahrain activated air alerts throughout its territory. According to reports, there were no casualties or significant damage from the Iranian attacks.
US President Donald Trump warned that 'Iran will cease to exist' if it continues with military escalation, in statements following the attacks. This is one of the most forceful threats issued by a US leader in decades.
The conflict began on March 2, 2026 following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader. Since then, the region has experienced an unprecedented military escalation:
A memorandum of understanding signed one week earlier between the US and Iran established a safe passage for ships and a return to pre-conflict transit levels. This agreement, the first between both countries since 1979, is now at serious risk of collapsing.
The agreement had been mediated by Pakistan and Qatar with the aim of de-escalating tension in one of the world's most important trade routes.
Vice President JD Vance stated on Bill Maher's program that 'violence will be met with violence', reaffirming the hardline stance of the US administration. Vance also affirmed that the Iranian nuclear program is destroyed and that the country is weaker than before.
Hours after his interview, new military attacks occurred on both sides, evidencing the fragility of the truce.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic points in the world for oil trade. Approximately 20 million barrels daily pass through it, representing about 20% of global consumption. Any interruption on this route has immediate global consequences for crude prices.
Following the attacks, the price of Brent crude oil retreated from USD 138/barrel (peak in April 2026) to USD 80/barrel, according to Wood Mackenzie projections.
Bahrain is home to the US Fifth Fleet, one of the most important components of US naval power in the Persian Gulf. The Iranian attack on this territory represents a direct challenge to the US military presence in the region.
The JMIC (Joint Military Information Command) raised the threat level to 'substantial', the highest military alert category.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
