(CNN)-- Iran responded to US and Israeli strikes by targeting all Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel itself, and even Oman, an ally of Tehran. But the second round of escalation was different.

The Iranian response came with more intense strikes against three countries: Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, countries that allowed the United States to use their territory as regional military bases.

This indicates that Iran is making strenuous efforts to demonstrate its ability to inflict damage, while retaining broader options for escalation against other countries if necessary.

While Iran has launched sporadic attacks on other countries in the region since the latest round of escalation this month, 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 near-daily attacks since June 8.

Iran has also intensified its raids on Jordan since last week, killing two US soldiers. Another soldier remains missing, and others were injured.

While Tehran claims it is targeting US military facilities and assets in the region, it is also targeting civilian infrastructure, including sensitive water desalination infrastructure in Kuwait and civil air navigation systems in Bahrain.

It has also launched attacks on Kuwait International Airport in recent weeks, damaging a newly renovated passenger terminal.

Iran may keep its options open for strikes against other countries in the region, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, as a next step in escalating the situation, which strongly suggests that Iran may be trying to contain the current round of escalation.