JAKARTA - After the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran, Tehran retaliated by attacking every country in the Gulf region, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and even its own allies such as Oman.
However, the latest escalation shows a more intense Iranian military action against three regional countries - Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan - namely countries that have given the US access to use their territory as a regional military base.
Reviewed by CNN, Monday, July 20, this indicates that the Islamic Republic is trying to more seriously utilize smaller countries to demonstrate its ability to inflict damage, while still having the option to escalate further against other countries if necessary.
Although Iran has launched sporadic attacks on other countries in the region since the start of this month's escalation, Bahrain - which hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet - and Kuwait - which hosts US bases such as Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base - have reported attacks that have occurred almost daily since June 8.
Iran has also stepped up its attacks on Jordan since last week, killing two American military personnel. Another soldier is still missing and several others were injured.
Although Tehran claims they are targeting US military installations and assets in the region, they have also attacked civilian infrastructure, including vital water desalination infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain's civilian aviation navigation system.
Iran has also launched attacks on Kuwait International Airport in recent weeks, causing damage to a newly renovated terminal.
Beyond Iran's stated goal of targeting these countries for their support of the US, Tehran's attacks on these countries may also have a political dimension.
Bahrain has cracked down on parts of its Shiite population for alleged support of Iran, while Kuwaiti authorities have prosecuted dozens of individuals for showing sympathy for the Islamic Republic.
Iran may also remain open to the option of attacking other countries in the region - such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Israel - seeing them as the next step in escalation; this is a strong indication that Iran may still be trying to limit the scope of the current escalation.
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