WASHINGTON — Iran's new Guard claimed responsibility Wednesday for missile attacks on U.S. military installations in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, marking a direct escalation that drew immediate condemnation from Washington officials.
The Pentagon confirmed U.S. Central Command is assessing damage and potential casualties. President Donald Trump convened an emergency National Security Council meeting within hours. The U.S. maintains roughly 13,500 troops in Kuwait and 5,000 in the UAE, including personnel at Ali Al Salem Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) called for a decisive response to protect American personnel abroad. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) urged caution, stressing the need to ensure accountability while avoiding broader conflict. The split previewed a coming divide in Congress between those pushing military retaliation and those demanding diplomatic alternatives.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken initiated calls with Kuwaiti and Emirati counterparts to coordinate a unified response. The escalation complicates ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions across the Persian Gulf.
The U.N. Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session Thursday morning. Trump is scheduled to address the nation from the Oval Office at 8 p.m. EST.
