Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated overnight amid reports of drone attacks in the Gulf, renewed US military action and the activation of air-defence systems in Tehran.
Shortly after midnight, Kuwait's military said it was responding to attacks by what it described as hostile drones, which it attributed to Iran. In a statement posted on X, the armed forces said the aircraft were being intercepted by air-defence systems and warned that any explosions heard would be linked to interception operations.
At the same time, Bahrain's Interior Ministry announced the activation of warning sirens, highlighting growing concern across Gulf states over the deteriorating security situation.
US strike on tanker
Meanwhile, the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM) said an American fighter jet struck the tanker M/T Belma, which was sailing under the flag of Curaçao.
According to CENTCOM, the vessel was attempting to breach a US naval blockade targeting Iran and failed to comply with orders issued by American forces.
The military said missiles struck the tanker's funnel, preventing the vessel, which was reportedly carrying no cargo, from continuing its journey towards Iran.
Trump: ‘They want a meeting’
Against the backdrop of rising military tensions, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran is now eager to reach an agreement with Washington.
Speaking to a Fox Business reporter during an event in Pennsylvania, Trump said the Iranian side had contacted the United States seeking talks.
"We received a phone call as I was coming here. They want a meeting," he said.
Later in the same event, Trump repeated his assertion that Tehran wants a deal despite the continued US bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic.
"They don't like what we're doing and they want to make a deal. We'll see whether we make a deal or whether we just finish it," he said.
Air defences activated in Tehran
Reports from Iran indicated that air-defence systems were activated in Tehran during the early hours of Thursday.
State media also reported explosions in both northern and western parts of the country, although no further details were immediately available regarding their cause or any potential damage.
The latest developments have added to concerns that the confrontation between Washington and Tehran could widen further, with several Gulf states already on heightened alert.
