Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

A sharp escalation between the United States and Iran rattled the Gulf overnight after Washington struck Iranian radar sites and Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait and Bahrain. Despite the military exchange, both sides say negotiations remain active, while violence in Lebanon continues to complicate broader regional diplomacy.

Here are the key developments: 

US forces say they shot down four Iranian drones near the Strait of Hormuz and struck Iranian coastal radar sites in what they described as self-defence actions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it launched missile and drone attacks on US-linked targets in Kuwait and Bahrain after American strikes on Qeshm Island and Goruk.

US Central Command says Iran fired seven missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, but none reached their intended targets.

Kuwait said its air defences intercepted incoming missiles and drones, while Bahrain issued public alerts amid aerial threats.

US President Donald Trump says progress is being made in talks with Iran, but cautions that reaching a final agreement will take time.

Iranian officials say part of Tehran’s frozen assets should be released immediately, while reports indicate nuclear issues may be deferred to later negotiation stages.

Lebanon’s president says negotiations aimed at ending hostilities have achieved a significant breakthrough, though challenges remain.

Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon killed at least five people, including a paramedic, according to Lebanese officials, as Hezbollah reported dozens of attacks on Israeli forces.

Oil market concerns persisted as Brent crude approached $100 a barrel and governments across the region increased security measures following the latest escalation.