Iran has launched drone and missile attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait, marking a significant escalation in its military campaign across the Persian Gulf.
The strikes represent a deliberate shift in tactics, targeting smaller Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members to exploit perceived vulnerabilities and deepen divisions within the regional bloc.
The move follows a pattern of widening aggression, with Tehran previously directing fire at targets in Qatar and Oman over recent days.
By expanding the geographic footprint of its operations, Iran is testing the defensive capabilities of neighboring states and challenging the security architecture that has long underpinned Gulf stability.
Analysts suggest the strategy aims to sow confusion and discord among Gulf allies.
Mahdi Ghuloom of the Dubai-based ORF Middle East think tank noted that long-standing tensions, combined with the small size of the targeted nations, make them susceptible to such pressure.