New Delhi: The United States and Iran exchanged fresh missile strikes as fighting across the Middle East intensified, even as Pakistan said diplomatic efforts to bring Washington and Tehran back to negotiations were still continuing. The latest escalation has also put renewed pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, with attacks on military and commercial targets raising concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
The US carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian positions after Iran launched attacks against American facilities and US allies across the region. According to several media reports, the US targeted dozens of positions linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The strikes came after Iranian forces launched missiles and drones at American and allied locations in several countries. The latest exchange marks another major escalation in the conflict, which has already disrupted shipping and energy markets across the region.
Iran claims drone attack on US base in Kuwait
Iran’s army said its forces also carried out a drone attack against strategic US military facilities at Kuwait’s Ahmed Al-Jaber airbase.
In a statement carried by Tasnim news agency, the Iranian military said the attack targeted hangars, satellite communication systems and equipment warehouses. Tehran described the operation as retaliation for a recent US strike on a residential property on Qeshm Island.
Iran also said the Kuwaiti facility plays an important role in US aerial surveillance and military support operations in the region. The claim has not been independently verified.
Pakistan says diplomacy still alive
Despite the renewed military confrontation, Pakistan said efforts to revive US-Iran negotiations were continuing. Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Islamabad was doing its utmost to resume talks under an earlier memorandum of understanding. According to the Times of Israel, Pakistani officials described the de-escalation discussions as “ongoing” and said efforts were focused on getting both sides back to the negotiating table.
Pakistan has emerged as an important intermediary because of its ties with both Washington and Tehran. Earlier, Islamabad and Qatar had put forward a proposal aimed at bringing the two sides back into negotiations, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz among the key issues under discussion.
Hormuz still key
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the diplomatic and military crisis because of its importance to global energy shipments.
The latest fighting has sharply reduced commercial traffic through the waterway, while attacks and threats against shipping have forced some vessels to change routes. The AP reported that oil shipments through Hormuz have fallen significantly as the conflict continues, adding to pressure on global energy markets.
The security of the strait is also a major issue in the diplomatic discussions, with reopening the vital maritime route seen as an important step towards easing the wider economic impact of the conflict.
Regional attacks add to tensions
Iran launched missiles towards Jordan, several of which were intercepted, while Kuwait reported attacks on vital facilities. The AP also reported that a Chinese company facility in Kuwait was hit, killing one worker.
Drone attacks were also reported at Egypt’s Damietta port, where fires broke out at natural gas facilities. Saudi Arabia separately reported drone attacks on oil infrastructure, further highlighting the vulnerability of energy facilities across the region.
Oil prices remain sharply higher
Oil prices slipped on Friday but remained on course for a monthly rise of around 20 per cent as traders continued to assess the impact of the conflict on production and shipping. Brent crude futures fell about 1.2 per cent to around $88 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude declined about 1.8 per cent to roughly $82.09 a barrel, according to the Associated Press figures provided in the report.
Despite the daily decline, both benchmarks were still headed for gains of roughly one-fifth for the month. The sharp monthly increase reflects continued concern that prolonged fighting, restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure could disrupt global oil supplies.