Iran missiles hit Kuwait Airport, escalating Gulf crisis
Iranian drones and missiles struck Kuwait International Airport and targets in Bahrain, injuring several individuals and causing severe infrastructure damage. The assault forced authorities to cancel all commercial flights and immediately close the regional airspace.
The installations were targeted because both Gulf nations host critical military bases and coordination nodes utilized by United States forces. US Central Command confirmed it launched self-defense strikes, intercepting multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Teheran claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating they targeted US military assets in retaliation for ongoing regional operations. Iranian officials warned that further disruptions to the security of the Strait of Hormuz would yield severe consequences for the "aggressive US military."
This kinetic escalation contrasts with optimistic diplomatic signals radiating from Washington regarding potential sanctions relief. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently outlined the administration's stringent parameters for economic de-escalation during a briefing with lawmakers.
"Iran is sanctioned because it enriches uranium. Iran is also sanctioned because it has highly enriched uranium. Iran is sanctioned because of its nuclear activities. If they agree to give up these things, we will reduce sanctions, as a result of compliance with commitments and the agreement," Marco Rubio stated.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump noted that bilateral discussions between Washington and Tehran remain active, dismissing reports of a communication breakdown.
According to American media outlets, President Trump has sought to expand the scope of a potential ceasefire framework. The revised US terms demand the permanent removal of highly enriched uranium and a modernized framework for nuclear inspections.
The spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied these specific demands were under active negotiation. Tehran accused Washington of continuously shifting its baseline diplomatic positions and generating contradictory policy mandates.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
