Kuwait says air defenses engaged drones, Bahrain sounds sirens

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Kuwait's armed forces said air defense systems were activated against drones it described as belonging to another country, according to a military statement. The armed forces said the air defense units engaged the drones but did not identify the aircraft or the origin of the reported threat. Around the same time, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said sirens sounded across the country and urged citizens and foreign residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe area. No immediate details were released on what triggered the alert. The development comes amid a reported escalation between the United States and Iran, with U.S. forces said to have carried out airstrikes against Iranian targets and Tehran launching counterstrikes aimed at American bases and Washington's regional allies. The renewed wave of Gulf tensions has threatened a fragile ceasefire agreed between the parties in mid-June and reignited concerns around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.