Summary
Iran launched a missile-and-drone strike that struck Kuwait International Airport early Wednesday, killing one person and wounding dozens, in the latest escalation after U.S. strikes on Iranian targets. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it had targeted U.S. bases in the region in retaliation. The U.S. military said it carried out “self‑defense strikes” in response. President Trump said negotiations with Iran are ongoing even as officials warn no deal is finalized.
Key developments
– Casualties and damage: Kuwait confirmed at least one death and 63 wounded after debris and intercepted munitions damaged Terminal 1. Kuwaiti health officials described severe wounds among the injured, and authorities initially suspended flights before resuming operations at several terminals after safety checks.
– Iran’s account: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it struck U.S. military bases in Kuwait as retaliation for recent American strikes on Iranian targets. Iran’s negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned any further aggression would be met with a “decisive” response.
– U.S. military response: U.S. Central Command said its forces conducted “self‑defense strikes,” including a strike on a ground control station on Qeshm Island, and downed multiple drones. CENTCOM later said it had redirected 125 commercial vessels amid a blockade and disabled six to ensure compliance.
– Kuwaiti and regional reactions: Kuwait summoned Iran’s top envoy, issued an official protest and declared two Iranian diplomatic staff persona non grata. Bahrain reported intercepting three missiles and a number of drones. A UAE presidential adviser urged Gulf states to adopt a unified position against what he called “Iranian aggression.”
– Political and diplomatic developments in Washington
– President Trump: Trump told the New York Post and posted on Truth Social that negotiations with Iran continue and that he remains open to a deal. He said he hopes to meet Iran’s new supreme leader if an agreement “works out,” and that he has not yet made a final decision on any deal.
– Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium is central to talks and that Iran had not given final approval to a peace deal. He also said the U.S. campaign “Epic Fury” to degrade Iran’s military is over and asserted the U.S. had achieved key military objectives.
– House Speaker Mike Johnson: Johnson said he and senior White House officials, including Trump and Secretary Rubio, are calling on U.S. allies — regional Arab states and NATO partners — to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commerce.
– Regional conflict dynamics
– Israel and Lebanon: Fighting between Israel and Iran‑backed Hezbollah continues. Lebanese authorities reported Lebanese army casualties from Israeli strikes; Israeli leaders reaffirmed operations intended to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his relationship with Trump remains strong despite a private dispute.
– Impact on Gulf shipping and energy: The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned that a prolonged disruption of Middle East energy flows would slow global growth, risk recessions in some countries and keep inflation and unemployment higher. Oil prices rose toward $100 per barrel on the latest flare‑ups, pressuring markets and consumer fuel costs.
Other notable items
– Airport operations: Kuwait’s aviation authority said flights resumed at some terminals after damage assessments and safety measures were completed. The country’s defense ministry reported it tracked and engaged at least 13 ballistic missiles and 17 attack drones in the assault.
– Diplomatic posture: Kuwait condemned the attacks, saying they targeted civilian facilities and reserving the right to respond under international law. Several Gulf states described the strikes as part of a pattern that threatens regional security.
– Economic signals: U.S. equities were broadly flat as traders weighed higher oil prices against strong corporate earnings and hopes for a diplomatic resolution that would reopen the Hormuz shipping lane.
– U.N. and peacekeeping: The U.N. secretary‑general has proposed force options for monitoring the Israel‑Lebanon boundary as international officials consider how to limit spillover from the broader regional conflict.
What officials say now
– Iran: Iranian officials framed their actions as self‑defense and warned of stronger responses to new strikes. Tehran has also signaled demands tied to any U.S. agreement, including Israel’s conduct against Hezbollah.
– U.S.: Washington says discussions with Iran continue but that Tehran has not yet agreed to necessary steps, including surrendering near‑weapons‑grade enriched uranium and curbs on nuclear activity, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
– Regional governments: Gulf partners have expressed alarm, taken defensive measures, and in some cases called for unity to deter further attacks.
Outlook
Tensions remain high and fluid. Key unresolved issues include the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium, the terms and verification of any cessation of hostilities, and whether mediators can secure agreements to prevent further strikes on civilian infrastructure and key shipping routes. Markets and governments are watching for both diplomatic progress and the potential for additional military exchanges.