bahrain

Middle East tensions flared as Iran launched missiles targeting US facilities in Kuwait and bahrain, which were intercepted or failed to hit. The US responded with strikes on an Iranian military site. This escalation follows a major US military campaign against Iran earlier this year, with ongoing exchanges and stalled negotiations pushing the region towards wider conflict.

Middle East tensions surged as Iran launched missiles towards Kuwait and bahrain, prompting US retaliatory strikes. Despite ongoing peace talks, no breakthrough has occurred, and the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted for 96 days. Meanwhile, US crude inventories saw a significant drop for the seventh consecutive week, adding to market volatility.

Kuwait's air defense systems intercepted incoming missiles and drones, with loud explosions reported across the country. The military confirmed these were the result of air defense operations against hostile aerial targets. Citizens were cautioned against approaching any fallen debris, with authorities urging reliance on official information.

An Indian national tragically died in an Iranian drone attack on Kuwait airport. The incident, which also caused significant damage to a passenger terminal, occurred amidst escalating regional tensions. The US military reported intercepting multiple drones targeting its forces in Kuwait and stated Iranian missiles fell apart en route.

Kuwait International Airport was struck by Iranian drones, causing significant damage to a passenger terminal and resulting in the death of an Indian national and injuries to dozens. Kuwait's defense ministry reported destroying numerous missiles and drones, while the Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack and called for an immediate cessation of such violence.

"A coordinated priority is prepared through which we try to get our ships out. Currently, there are about 13 Indian-flagged vessels there: one LPG tanker, five crude oil tankers, one chemical or product tanker, three container ships, two bulk carriers, and one dredger. Our priority is to get our ships out that are currently inside," said Opesh Kumar Sharma, Director at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

US President Donald Trump is pushing several Muslim nations, including Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel as part of a potential Iran deal. Experts, however, deem the plan unrealistic, citing the Gaza war's impact on Arab public opinion and the persistent demand for Palestinian statehood. Pakistan has already publicly rejected the proposal.

Pakistan has firmly rejected joining the Abraham Accords, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stating it contradicts fundamental ideologies. Islamabad's long-standing stance is clear: no recognition of Israel without a Palestinian state. This comes as former US President Donald Trump urged several Muslim-majority nations to normalize ties with Israel, linking it to Iran negotiations.

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US stocks saw a slight dip on Wednesday. Rising oil prices and tensions with Iran impacted the market. However, Wall Street stayed close to record levels. Investors are hopeful about the Strait of Hormuz reopening. Strong corporate earnings also provided support. Macy's and GameStop reported positive results. Palo Alto Networks saw a decline despite a profit beat.

The USTR released the outcome of 60 investigations conducted under Section 301, identifying India among 54 economies that, according to its assessment, do not have adequate measures in place to prohibit or effectively prevent the import of goods allegedly produced using forced labour.

Taking a hard stance, bahrain has issued life sentences to three men accused of colluding with Iran's Revolutionary Guards. Additionally, more than 20 others face up to 10 years behind bars for activities such as unauthorized filming and spreading banned statements. These sentences highlight bahrain's intensified efforts to curb pro-Iran influences within the Gulf.

The remarks came after Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif rejected US President Donald Trump’s appeal for Islamabad to join the Abraham Accords. Asif said Pakistan would not back any agreement that went against the country’s "fundamental ideologies". The Abraham Accords were brokered by the United States in 2020 and led to the normalisation of diplomatic, economic and security relations between Israel and several Arab nations.