A deadly Iranian drone strike on Kuwait International Airport has intensified instability across the Middle East, while US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed a heated exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
The attack on Kuwait’s main airport killed one person and injured more than 60 others, according to local authorities, forcing a temporary suspension of flights after part of a terminal was damaged. Services later resumed following safety inspections.
The strike marked one of the most significant escalations since the US-Iran ceasefire came into effect in April. Iranian media also reported attacks in Bahrain targeting US military assets, though the United States Central Command said Iranian missiles failed to reach their intended targets.
US forces responded with what they described as defensive operations against missile launch sites, naval vessels and facilities on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the renewed violence, Washington and Tehran have both maintained that the ceasefire remains intact as negotiations continue over ending the conflict and restoring commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
The developments came as Trump acknowledged reports he had sharply criticised Netanyahu during a phone conversation earlier this week, expressing frustration that Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon was jeopardising broader peace efforts.
“I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said, confirming reports he had used strong language during the exchange.
The war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah continues to complicate diplomatic efforts. Iran has argued that any wider agreement with the United States must include an end to hostilities in Lebanon.
According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, at least 3,468 people have been killed since early March during Israel’s military operations, while human rights organisations estimate more than 1.2 million people have been displaced.
Trump nevertheless emphasised his working relationship with Netanyahu, stating: “I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him.”
Netanyahu similarly downplayed the dispute, saying the two leaders occasionally have “tactical disagreements” but share “common goals” and “agree on the main things.”
“He respects me. I respect him,” Netanyahu said. “We always find a way to work out our differences.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi defended Tehran’s actions, describing them as “self-defence strikes on sites the US is permitted to use to attack civilian shipping and violate the ceasefire,” warning that “any hostile act will be met with an immediate, decisive response.”
