Live updates: Iran fires drones toward Saudi Arabia and Kuwait

IRAN ATTACKS

Iran has escalated its retaliatory campaign in the ongoing war, firing waves of attack drones toward Saudi Arabia and Kuwait early Tuesday morning. The strikes come as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to send mixed signals about the duration of Operation Epic Fury, fueling market volatility and regional tension.

According to reports from the Associated Press and other sources, Iranian drones targeted areas in Saudi Arabia's oil-rich eastern province, including near key energy infrastructure. The Saudi Defense Ministry confirmed that several drones were intercepted and destroyed by air defenses, with no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. In Kuwait, the National Guard stated that multiple drones were shot down over the country's northern and southern regions, preventing potential hits on civilian or military sites.

These latest attacks follow a pattern of Iranian drone and missile barrages against Gulf allies hosting U.S. forces or supporting the U.S.-Israeli campaign. Previous waves have targeted facilities in the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and U.S. bases like Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, as well as Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. While many projectiles have been neutralized, some have caused limited damage, fires, and disruptions to energy sites.

SUICIDE DRONES

The drone launches occurred shortly after President Trump described the conflict as a "short excursion" that is "very complete, pretty much" and likely to end "very soon." However, he quickly followed with a grave warning on social media: if Iran attempts to disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would respond by hitting Iran "twenty times harder" than current operations. The contradictory messaging has contributed to sharp swings in global oil prices, which fell from Monday's near-$120 peaks but remain elevated.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has framed these strikes as part of ongoing retaliation, vowing continued pressure on U.S. allies in the region. No claims of responsibility for specific Tuesday drone waves have been detailed yet, but the regime has previously described such actions as responses to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and leadership targets.

ON DEFENSE

Gulf states have aggressively activated their defenses, with allied air forces—including UAE F-16s—intercepting threats in recent days. U.S. Central Command has not issued an immediate comment on the latest incidents, but coordination with partners remains high amid fears of broader escalation.

As Operation Epic Fury presses forward to dismantle Iran's capabilities, these cross-border attacks underscore Tehran's attempt to spread the conflict and pressure regional supporters of the U.S. effort. Markets and energy traders remain on edge, watching for any moves that could threaten the Strait of Hormuz or global supplies.