Iran launches drone attacks on Gulf allies after U.S. strikes

Iranian forces launched a series of drone attacks across the Gulf early Wednesday, striking Kuwait City and prompting interceptions by Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and other regional partners. The attacks came after a night of U.S. airstrikes that Iran says included a strike on a wedding party in Iran.

Kuwait’s communications centre reported a fire at a residential complex in the capital after an Iranian drone hit the building at dawn; the blaze was contained and no casualties were reported. Bahrain’s military said its air-defence systems intercepted incoming fire from Iran, accusing Tehran of targeting civilians. The United Arab Emirates also confirmed an interception of an Iranian drone over its waters on Monday.

In Iraq, Kurdish security forces said they shot down ten explosive-laden drones near Irbil, while Iran-backed Hezbollah fired two explosive drones at Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, causing no injuries. The U.S. Central Command said its recent strikes targeted Iranian air-defence sites, radar installations and maritime assets.

Iranian officials claimed a U.S. strike hit a home hosting a wedding, killing at least five people, including a child, and wounding dozens more.

"Make no mistake: these crimes will not go unpunished," said Ebrahim Azizi, chair of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee.

The U.S. military responded that it does not target civilians. President Donald Trump told Fox News that U.S. forces had struck radar systems Iran was rebuilding, adding that the United States would not force Iran to negotiate.

The renewed fighting has pushed Brent crude above $95 a barrel, more than a 30% increase since the conflict began, and has further disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where only a few ships now pass each day.