US, Iran exchange fire in Gulf as Kuwait faces missile attack, Qatar summons envoy

WEB DESK: The United States and Iran have exchanged direct military fire following maritime attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, ending a truce established last month.

This confrontation occurred while US President Donald Trump was attending a NATO summit in Turkey.

US strikes and Iranian counter-attacks

The escalation began when the US military launched strikes against targets inside Iran. Washington stated the action was a response to suspected Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials said the operation aimed to protect international shipping lanes, halting ongoing diplomatic talks that followed last month’s preliminary peace agreement.

In response, Iran’s military launched a coordinated wave of missiles and drones targeting US military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.

The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army confirmed its air defense forces deployed to intercept incoming projectiles. While explosions were heard across Kuwait, authorities have not confirmed casualties or the extent of the damage.

Qatar Summons Iranian Envoy

Prior to the strikes in Kuwait, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Iran’s Deputy Ambassador to deliver a formal protest note following an attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatari Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari stated that Qatar holds Iran legally responsible for the incident, calling it a violation of international maritime navigation and safety laws.

The targeted vessel, carrying a crew that included Indian nationals, was traveling from Ras Laffan in Qatar to Dahej in India when a strike on its port side caused an engine room fire.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry rejected the accusations, stating that while Tehran remains committed to the safety of the strait, vessels face risks due to current regional tensions.