On February 28, Iran intensified its military activities in the Gulf, launching strikes on two southern islands while Kuwait reported attacks on its border posts and an offshore oil platform. These incidents occurred shortly after a series of exchanges between Tehran and Washington regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments.
Details of the Attacks on Iran and Kuwait
Iranian state media reported that at least 10 projectiles targeted Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, strikes hit Farur Island, resulting in casualties, including the death of a telecommunications worker and injuries to two others. Concurrently, Kuwait confirmed damage to three land border posts in the northern region and reported that a hostile drone targeted an offshore drilling platform, injuring one individual.
The Iranian military claimed responsibility for attacks on two vessels in the Strait, including one that caught fire, prompting the crew to abandon ship. The situation escalated as Iranian Revolutionary Guards declared that the strait would remain closed until U.S. military interventions ceased, according to IRNA.
U.S. Response and Military Actions
The U.S. military's Central Command responded by asserting that the Strait of Hormuz was open to all vessels and that U.S. forces were prepared to ensure freedom of navigation. They emphasized, “Iran does not control the strait. Traffic is flowing.” This assertion came amid a backdrop of heightened tensions, as U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “We hit them very hard last night,” referring to the U.S. strikes on approximately 140 Iranian targets.
