Iran claimed it struck a US military base in Kuwait while continued US operations and rising oil prices intensified concerns over regional security and global markets
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for a strike targeting a US military installation in Kuwait, while the United States said it carried out its ninth consecutive night of military operations against Iran. The developments have coincided with a sharp rise in oil prices and renewed concerns over inflation as disruptions continue in the Strait of Hormuz. The claims made by Iran have not been independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from US or Kuwaiti authorities.
Tehran: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday claimed it carried out strikes on the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, alleging that the operation targeted a US early-warning radar system, an aviation equipment depot and a hangar housing MQ-9 drones.
According to a statement carried by Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC said several US MQ-9 drones were destroyed during the attack. The group described the operation as part of its response to what it called repeated US military strikes on Iranian territory.
"The claims made by the IRGC could not be independently verified, and there has been no immediate comment from US or Kuwaiti authorities."
Iran Claims Strike on Ali Al Salem Air Base
The IRGC stated that the latest operation formed part of its ongoing retaliatory campaign against US military actions. It alleged that military infrastructure and unmanned aerial systems at Ali Al Salem Air Base were successfully targeted.
Also Read: US Strikes Iran Nuclear Site as Gulf Security Tensions Escalate
However, independent verification of the reported damage remains unavailable, and officials from the United States and Kuwait have not confirmed the Iranian claims.
US Continues Military Operations Against Iran
Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it completed its ninth consecutive night of military operations against Iran at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday.
According to CENTCOM, the operation targeted Iranian military command centres, air defence systems, coastal surveillance facilities, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications infrastructure.
The US military said the objective was to further reduce Iran's capability to launch attacks against commercial vessels and civilian shipping passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
"The US military is holding Iran accountable at the Commander in Chief's direction," CENTCOM said, adding that its forces remain "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready."
Oil Prices Rise as Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Continue
The escalation in the Gulf affected global financial markets, with Asian markets declining on Monday as Brent crude oil climbed above $90 per barrel for the first time in more than a month.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained significantly disrupted. Reports indicated that only a limited number of commercial vessels transited the strategic waterway on Sunday, while one ship was reported to be on fire.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy transit routes, and any disruption has immediate implications for global oil supply and inflation.
Analysts Warn of Higher Energy Prices
Market analysts cautioned that prolonged disruption in the Gulf could lead to substantially higher crude prices.
"The longer the Strait remains closed and the war escalates, the greater the risk that oil prices will have to rise to around $150 a barrel to bring demand down to match the hit to supply," Shane Oliver, Head of Investment Strategy at AMP, told Reuters.
Global investors continue to monitor developments closely as military operations, regional tensions and disruptions to energy supplies remain key factors influencing international markets.
