Iran has launched a fresh barrage of missiles and drones at targets across the Gulf, including a United States military base in Kuwait, marking the 37th wave of attacks during war .
The escalation comes as a vessel caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, further intensifying a global energy crisis, report Al Jazeera, AP and Reuters.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is expected to vote on a resolution sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) demanding that Tehran cease attacks on its Arab neighbours.
Military strikes and interceptions
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Wednesday that it fired four missiles at US military headquarters in the Middle East, specifically targeting Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. While Kuwaiti authorities did not confirm these specific missile reports, the country’s National Guard reported downing eight drones.
In the Qatari capital, Doha, multiple explosions were heard on Wednesday morning. Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed its military intercepted a missile attack, with smoke clouds visible west of the city where defensive weapons made contact with incoming projectiles.
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry reported destroying five drones targeting the Shaybah oilfield in the Empty Quarter desert, along with two additional drones intercepted in the Eastern Province.
Casualties and maritime impact
The conflict has resulted in civilian casualties across the region. In Bahrain, Iranian attacks wounded dozens in Sitra, near Manama, and a drone strike ignited a fire at a facility in Ma’ameer. Earlier, a drone hit a residential building in Manama, killing one woman and injuring eight others.
In the United Arab Emirates, the Dubai Media Office reported that two drones fell near Dubai International Airport, wounding four people.
Maritime security has reached a critical point. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an unknown projectile struck a container vessel 25 nautical miles northwest of Ras Al-Khaimah, setting it ablaze. A second vessel, a bulk carrier, was hit 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai; however, the crew was reported safe.
Economic concerns
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies, have driven Brent crude prices up by approximately 20 per cent since the start of the conflict.
Amin Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco, warned that continued disruptions to tanker transit would have a “serious impact on the global economy”. Although the US military reported destroying 16 Iranian minelayers near the strait.
President Donald Trump noted there are currently no confirmed reports that Iran has begun mining the passage.
