US-Iran Tensions Escalate as Missiles Target Kuwait, Israel Expands Lebanon Offensive

By Desmond Nleya,  Daily Times Reporter

Dubai-The United States has launched fresh strikes on an Iranian military site near the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, claiming the location posed a threat to US forces and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported that the attack caused no casualties or significant damage. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had targeted what it described as an “American airbase” in retaliation for the US strike, warning that stronger action would follow if what it called US “aggression” continued.

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted “hostile” missiles and drones, though authorities did not specify the source of the attack.

The regional conflict has also intensified in Lebanon, where the Israeli military ordered the entire population of southern Lebanon to evacuate north of the Zahrani River, declaring all areas south of the river “combat zones.” The order affects thousands of civilians living within roughly 40 kilometres of Israel’s border.

Humanitarian organisations have warned that the situation in southern Lebanon is rapidly deteriorating, describing conditions as an “absolute catastrophe” amid ongoing Israeli air strikes and an expanding ground offensive.

At the diplomatic level, Washington and Tehran continue to issue conflicting statements over possible negotiations aimed at ending the US-Israel war with Iran. US President Donald Trump stated that sanctions on Iran would not be eased as part of any agreement, signalling a hardline stance despite growing regional instability.