US continues strikes near Strait of Hormuz after one killed in Iranian attacks on Kuwait

Gulf tensions escalated on Wednesday after Iranian attacks on Kuwait International Airport killed an Indian national and injured more than 60 people. Iranian media claimed the Revolutionary Guards targeted the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, a US airbase, and a vessel called Panaya, but the US Central Command denied any hits on its bases, stating Iranian ballistic missiles missed their targets. The US military responded with defensive strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites, Iranian boats laying mines, and Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait has been largely closed for over three months following US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, disrupting roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Since the conflict began, Iran has repeatedly attacked Gulf targets, including civilian and military sites, despite a ceasefire agreed in early April. While Iran and the US signaled progress toward a tentative deal to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait, no formal agreement has been reached. Tehran has demanded an end to fighting in Lebanon, access to frozen oil revenues, sanctions relief, and a lifting of the US blockade on its ports. In Washington, the US House of Representatives passed a Democratic-led resolution 215-208 to halt the Iran war until Congress authorizes further action, reflecting bipartisan unease. The vote was largely symbolic, as a Senate majority and a presidential veto remain obstacles. President Donald Trump suggested negotiations with Iran could advance over the weekend, though he acknowledged uncertainty. He reiterated the US goal of securing Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, a major sticking point in talks.