**United States–Iran airstrikes resume**
On Saturday and Sunday, the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) confirmed that U.S. aircraft conducted “self‑defence strikes” against Iranian radar and command‑and‑control nodes, as well as drone assets, in Goruk and Qeshm Island. The strikes were described as pre‑emptive, aimed at protecting ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC replied that it had hit an the U.S.‑used air base in Kuwait, though the exact location was not specified. In another operation, Iranian forces targeted a U.S. communications tower on Sirri Island – a location used for U.S. strike preparations.
**Context of escalating tensions**
The ceasefire that came into effect on 8 April has been described as fragile. President Donald Trump has repeatedly signalled that the U.S. and Iran were close to a permanent deal, though diplomatic breakthroughs have yet to materialise. In a recent statement on X, Trump called for “edits” to an existing proposal, which Iran strongly dismissed as unfounded.
The latest round of negotiations calls for a 60‑day de‑escalation, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a framework to resume talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.
**Strategic implications for the Gulf**
Around 20 % of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments transit the Gulf, making the security of the Strait of Hormuz critical for international energy markets. The recent exchange of strikes threatens to further destabilise this maritime corridor, potentially leading to higher fuel prices and disruptions in global trade.
**Kuwait’s defensive response**
Kuwait’s military said it was engaging hostile missiles and drones with its air‑defence systems, though it kept the details of interceptions undisclosed.
The current pattern of attacks suggests a high risk of escalation that could involve more extensive use of air forces and potentially draw in additional regional actors. The international community remains on edge, hoping for a renewed ceasefire to avoid a larger conflagration that would reverberate across the Middle East and beyond.
