Escalation in the Gulf

Bahrain intercepted an Iranian aerial attack early Wednesday, according to the Associated Press, as Tehran continued to fire on allies of the United States in the Gulf region. Bahrain, which hosts a major S. naval base, said its air defense systems intercepted incoming fire from Iran and accused Iran of "attacks targeting civilians" in a statement issued by its military.

The attack on Bahrain came after a weekend of renewed fighting between the S. and Iran. After a respite of more than a month, hostilities escalated when the American military struck Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated by firing missiles at American bases in Jordan, all of which were intercepted, according to the Associated Press.

Regional interceptions

Ahead of the attack on Bahrain, Iran fired missiles at Jordan and drones at Kuwait, all of which were intercepted. On Monday, the United Arab Emirates said it had intercepted an incoming Iranian drone over its waters. Kurdish authorities said they intercepted 10 explosive-laden drones near Irbil, while Iranian state television reported that S. bases in the Irbil area had been targeted. Kuwait's government communications center said an Iranian drone struck a residential complex in the capital at dawn Wednesday, sparking a fire that was later contained, with no casualties reported.

Israel's military said Iran-backed Hezbollah launched two explosive drones at troops in southern Lebanon, with no casualties reported.

S. strikes and civilian casualties

The S. Central Command said it had completed a barrage against Iranian military targets, including air defense sites, radar systems and maritime assets. Central Command said it was responding to Tehran's attempts to hit commercial ships and American forces.

According to Iranian media and officials, one S. strike hit a home hosting a wedding, killing at least five people, including a child, and wounding at least 68 others. The S. military said it was aware of the report but that it "never targets civilians."

Oil and economic impact

The renewed violence has pushed oil prices higher. Brent crude, the international standard, climbed above $95, up more than 30% from the start of the war. About a fifth of the world's traded oil was shipped through the Strait of Hormuz before Iran largely shut it down. Washington sought to fully reopen the strait, but only a handful of ships have passed through each day since the conflict resumed. Iran has regularly attacked vessels in the waterway.

Political and diplomatic context

The conflict is now in its seventh month. During last month's lull in fighting, the S. ramped up economic pressure on Iran, which is suffering from soaring inflation, negative growth and a collapsing currency. A ceasefire reached in June between the S. and Iran quickly unraveled amid exchanges of strikes, according to the Associated Press. Mediator Pakistan said it remains engaged with both Washington and Tehran in an effort to restart talks.

Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, wrote on X that Iran's new strategy will "shatter the foundations" of its enemies.

Trump's statements

President Trump said he would not force Iran to the bargaining table and made comments about the Iranian economy and Iranians rising up. Trump warned that Iran would be hit again at a "much harder and higher level" if it retaliated.