Bahrain reported that Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones toward it and Kuwait hours after the United States and Iran traded strikes across the Gulf. The exchanges mark the latest flare-ups that risk breaking a fragile ceasefire. Air raid sirens sounded on Saturday in Bahrain, where residents were advised to seek shelter and await updates. Kuwait’s military confirmed it was intercepting drones and missiles aimed at the country. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated they targeted the Ali al-Salem airbase in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, according to Iranian media. The attacks followed a US announcement that it had downed four Iranian drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz and struck Iranian coastal radar sites. Iran responded by saying it had hit US bases in the region, prompting air raid alerts in both Kuwait and Bahrain. The back-and-forth strikes have strained the tenuous ceasefire and complicated efforts to extend the truce. Negotiations between the US and Iran to end the war permanently have stalled, prolonging regional instability and disrupting the global economy. The World Food Programme reported that millions face increased hunger due to rising energy and food prices linked to the conflict. Its analysis showed 2.5 million people in Somalia, 2.3 million in Afghanistan and 1.3 million in Sri Lanka struggling to meet basic food needs. The agency warned that 45 million people could fall into food insecurity by June. US Central Command said Iranian drones threatened maritime traffic and that strikes on radar sites were defensive. The US is enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports in response to restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven up energy prices. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later said they struck enemy bases in the Gulf. Kuwait’s military responded to hostile missile and drone attacks days after an airport strike killed one person and wounded dozens. Central Command reported seven Iranian ballistic missiles fired toward Kuwait and Bahrain, with six intercepted. No harm to US personnel was reported, and claims of damage to the Fifth Fleet headquarters were denied. Former President Donald Trump said the situation with Iran was progressing well and that the US would exit the conflict soon, either through agreement or force. He noted that fertilizer prices would fall as a result. Trump faces pressure to resolve the war ahead of midterm elections. US and Iranian negotiators have worked to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and begin talks on Iran’s nuclear program, though both sides continue to seek changes. Trump told NBC that reaching a deal was difficult for Iran due to its independence. He also said Iran retains roughly 21 to 22 percent of its missile stockpile. The administration highlighted a recent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, despite rejection by Hezbollah and renewed attacks. Israeli forces struck southern Lebanon on Friday and issued evacuation warnings to several villages.
