DUBAI, June 3: Iran and the United States exchanged fresh strikes across the Persian Gulf on Wednesday, further straining a fragile ceasefire and raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.
The latest escalation came after Iranian drones struck Kuwait International Airport, causing severe damage to the passenger terminal and killing one person, according to Kuwaiti authorities.
Several others were injured, and airport operations were briefly suspended before partially resuming later in the day.
The US military said Iran also launched missiles and drones targeting American forces and allied countries in the Gulf.
According to Washington, missiles aimed at Kuwait broke apart before reaching their targets, while US and Bahraini forces intercepted missiles and drones directed at Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
In response, the US carried out strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard acknowledged targeting the Fifth Fleet headquarters and US military facilities in the region, describing the attacks as retaliation for US strikes.
Tehran condemned the American action as a violation of the ceasefire and labelled it an act of aggression.
The renewed hostilities have complicated efforts to extend a ceasefire between Iran, the US and Israel.
Iranian news agencies reported that Tehran had suspended communication with mediators overseeing the talks, insisting that any broader agreement must include enforcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon.
However, US President Donald Trump rejected reports of a breakdown in negotiations, saying contacts with Iran had continued uninterrupted.
The conflict’s impact continues to be felt globally. Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, while the US blockade of Iranian ports has contributed to elevated energy prices.
Meanwhile, tensions in Lebanon remain a major obstacle to diplomacy.
Israel has expanded military operations against Hezbollah despite a nominal ceasefire, while Iran insists that fighting in Lebanon must end before broader negotiations can advance.
The issue has exposed growing differences between Washington and Israel, with reports of a tense conversation this week between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the direction of the conflict. (AP)
