Iran launched drone attacks against U.S. allies Kuwait and Bahrain early Wednesday, according to reports, following a night of American airstrikes that targeted Iranian military installations. These exchanges have ended a monthlong de-escalation in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, leading to a spike in oil prices and adding political pressure on U.S. President Trump's administration ahead of the November midterm elections.
The latest wave of violence began after U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. The U.S. stated that Iran was planning to use the launchers to target commercial shipping with mines. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at American bases in Jordan, which were intercepted.
On Wednesday, Bahrain's military reported that its air defense systems intercepted incoming fire from Iran, accusing Tehran of "attacks targeting civilians." Kuwait's government communications center confirmed that a drone attack at dawn caused a fire at a residential complex in the capital, which was later contained without casualties. The United Arab Emirates had also reported intercepting an Iranian drone over its waters on Monday.
Further regional incidents included the interception of 10 explosive-laden drones in the Irbil area of Iraq by Kurdistan's Counter-Terrorism Directorate, with Iranian television reporting that American bases in Irbil were targeted. Israel's military also stated that Iran-backed Hezbollah fired two explosive drones at its soldiers in southern Lebanon, though no casualties were reported.
The U.S. Central Command confirmed its strikes on Tuesday focused on Iranian military assets, including air defense sites and radar systems. President Trump, speaking to Fox News, stated that the strikes targeted radar systems Iran was attempting to rebuild, adding, "We waited until it was almost built and then we hit it." He also remarked on social media that he was unconcerned about Iran signing an agreement, preferring the current situation with "almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing."
Iranian officials reported that one U.S. strike hit a home hosting a wedding party in southern Iran, killing at least five people, including a child, and wounding at least 68 others. Images released by Iranian media showed injured children receiving medical treatment and rescue workers at a damaged home. Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated on X, "Make no mistake: these crimes will not go unpunished." The U.S. military acknowledged the report but maintained it "never targets civilians."
During the previous lull in fighting, the U.S. intensified economic sanctions against Iran, which has been grappling with high inflation, negative economic growth, and a depreciating currency. These measures were part of Washington's efforts to secure the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. Prior to the recent escalation, approximately 20% of the world's traded oil passed through this vital waterway before Iran largely closed it down following U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28. Despite U.S. assurances that the strait is open, traffic remains limited, and Iran has continued to target vessels.
Following the resumption of hostilities, the price of Brent crude oil surpassed $95 per barrel, an increase of more than 30% since the conflict began. On Monday, Saudi shipping company Bahri reported that two Filipino sailors were killed in an attack as their vessel transited the strait. US Central Command stated that its latest actions were in response to Tehran's attempts to strike commercial ships and American forces in the Middle East.