Visuals circulating on social media on Sunday purportedly show explosions in Kuwait after Iranian media claimed that Tehran carried out a surprise missile strike targeting US Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) launchers stationed in the country.
According to Iranian media reports, three missiles were fired at what were described as US-operated ATACMS ground-to-ground missile systems. The reports alleged that the launchers had been used in strikes carried out against southern Iran earlier in the day.
JUST IN: Moments ago, Iranian forces reportedly carried out a surprise strike targeting U.S. ATACMS ground-to-ground missile systems in Kuwait with three missiles, according to Iranian media.The reported targets were ATACMS launch systems that Iran says were used in today’s… pic.twitter.com/KHedAKbb3k
— The Hormuz Report (@HormuzReport) July 12, 2026
However, the specific claim that US ATACMS launchers were hit remains unverified. Neither the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the US Department of Defence, US Central Command (CENTCOM) nor Kuwaiti authorities have confirmed that American missile systems were targeted or damaged.
In a separate development, Kuwait’s Defence Ministry confirmed that three northern border centres came under what it described as a “criminal attack,” resulting in material damage. The ministry also said an enemy drone struck an offshore drilling platform operated by the Kuwait Oil Company in the country’s territorial waters, injuring one worker and causing damage to the facility. Kuwaiti authorities said the relevant agencies had begun responding to the incidents and that the armed forces remain on high alert.
The visuals being widely shared online purportedly show explosions and flashes in the night sky over Kuwait. Times Now could not independently verify the authenticity, location or timing of the footage.
The reported developments come amid rapidly escalating tensions between Iran and the United States following fresh US military strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the Gulf. Earlier, the US Central Command said the Strait of Hormuz remains open despite Iran’s declaration that it had closed the strategic waterway.
As of publication, there is no independent confirmation from Kuwaiti government that US ATACMS launch systems were among the targets struck in Kuwait. Authorities in both Washington and Kuwait have also not reported any confirmed damage to US military installations.