Missiles rain down on Gulf states
Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday, retaliating against U.S. airstrikes that targeted Iranian military assets earlier in the week. The attacks mark a major escalation in the ongoing Iran- U.S. confrontation, with the conflict spilling beyond Iran's borders for the first time in this round of hostilities.
Nuclear talks in jeopardy
Tehran signaled it may withdraw from nuclear negotiations entirely, with Iran's foreign minister stating the country would not negotiate 'under fire.' The threat to halt talks alarms European diplomats who have been working to contain the crisis through diplomatic channels.
Regional fallout mounts
Bahrain confirmed damage to civilian infrastructure and reported casualties, while Kuwait activated its air defense systems. The U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, went on high alert. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz — a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil supply — remains a flashpoint, with Iran having previously threatened to block the waterway.