Kuwait Airspace Closed Amid Iranian Attacks
Kuwait has closed its airspace following new attacks attributed to Iran, with officials reporting that some flights were diverted to alternative airports. Prior to the closure, flights were circling outside Kuwait as its air defences engaged aerial targets.
Kuwait International Airport experienced an incident resulting in one fatality and dozens of injuries.
Separately, Bahrain activated its missile alert sirens on Thursday after Iran announced attacks targeting the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, which is headquartered in the country.
The US embassy in Jordan issued an alert indicating that "reports indicate missiles, drones, or rockets are in Jordanian airspace."
Twenty-two countries, including the United States, Australia, and several European nations, jointly issued a warning on Thursday urging Iran to cease attacks on their territories.
In a joint statement released prior to the US launching its second round of strikes on Iran, the countries condemned Iranian security services for their "deplorable" use of international and local criminal gangs to conduct plots in Europe, North America, and Australia.
"Attempts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or otherwise attack people on our soil, undermines national sovereignty and international norms. These actions must stop immediately."
The statement accused Iran of orchestrating a campaign of attacks across Europe targeting Jewish communities, Iranian journalists, and US journalists.
The statement specifically identified an Iran-linked group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya (HAYI), which has claimed responsibility for several attacks.
HAYI reportedly claimed responsibility for the stabbing of two Jewish men and a series of arson attacks on synagogues and community sites in north London over recent months.
Australia expelled Iran’s ambassador in August of the previous year, accusing Tehran of involvement in at least two antisemitic attacks: an arson attack and a stabbing incident.
Canberra also withdrew its ambassador to Iran and suspended operations at its embassy in Tehran.
The joint statement was issued by Albania, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, and the United States.
Thursday’s US strikes further demonstrate that Iran holds leverage in negotiations with the Trump administration, according to Dan Shapiro, former US ambassador to Israel.
"It is Trump that is desperate for them to sign the agreement, as his statements reveal, and Iran that is dragging their feet."
In an online post, Shapiro stated that the strikes will reinforce to Iran that "time works in their favor."
"A deal that punts nuclear negotiations to a second phase and requires some sanctions relief is a lousy deal — and still the least bad available alternative."
This article includes content hosted on platform.x.com. Permission is requested before loading, as the provider may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'.
Live Coverage of Middle East Conflict
The US has launched a second round of airstrikes after President Trump warned that Tehran would "pay the price" for stalled negotiations. Iran responded with strikes targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
The US assault across multiple Iranian cities occurred as efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict again appeared stalled, with Iran insisting it would maintain its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
This marks the second consecutive day of reciprocal strikes between the US and Iran, testing the limits of a fragile two-month ceasefire.
Key Developments of the Day
US Central Command announced it had "completed" its latest round of airstrikes just before sunrise in Iran. The strikes targeted "Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defense sites," and were executed by the US Air Force, Marines, and Navy.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, the port city of Bandar Abbas, and other southern areas along the Strait of Hormuz.
In retaliation, Iran launched strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Kuwait closed its airspace as its air defenses engaged the attack. The Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation stated that flights were being diverted to other airports but did not provide further details.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported firing ballistic missiles at a US command center in Jordan, according to state media.
Iran’s UN envoy urged the US to refrain from threats of force if it seeks a diplomatic agreement.
Early on Thursday, Israel warned residents in the northern region to seek shelter following detection of suspected incoming fire from Lebanon.
The international benchmark for crude oil traded above $93 a barrel on Wednesday, representing an increase of more than 25% since the start of the conflict.
