DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian drone attacks targeted U.S. allies in the Gulf early Wednesday, September 2, 2026, setting a residential complex in Kuwait City ablaze, while Bahrain said its air defenses intercepted incoming attacks.
The latest escalation came hours after the United States carried out fresh strikes on Iranian military targets, marking a renewed wave of hostilities after a monthlong lull in fighting between Washington and Tehran.
The renewed conflict has intensified concerns over the regional security situation, global oil supplies and the broader economic impact of the war.
Gulf states intercept Iranian attacks
Kuwait’s government communications center said a fire broke out at a residential complex in the capital after it was struck by an Iranian drone at dawn. Authorities said the fire was brought under control and no casualties were reported.
Bahrain, which hosts a major U.S. naval base, also said its air defense systems intercepted incoming Iranian fire early Wednesday. The Bahraini military accused Tehran of carrying out attacks that endangered civilians.
Iranian drones were also intercepted over Kuwait late Tuesday, while the United Arab Emirates said Monday that it had intercepted an Iranian drone over its territorial waters.
In Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Counter-Terrorism Directorate said it had intercepted 10 explosive-laden drones in the Erbil area. Iranian state television, meanwhile, reported that U.S. bases in Erbil had been targeted.
Israel’s military separately said Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, launched two explosive drones toward Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon. No casualties were reported.
Iranian officials report casualties at wedding
Iranian authorities said one of the latest U.S. strikes hit a home where a wedding celebration was taking place.
At least five people, including a child, were reportedly killed, while at least 68 others were wounded, according to Iranian officials.
Images released by Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency showed injured children receiving treatment in hospital. Footage from the Iranian Red Crescent showed rescue workers searching through a damaged residential area, with debris scattered around several homes.
Iranian officials condemned the strike and warned that those responsible would face consequences.
The U.S. military said it was aware of the reports but maintained that American forces “never target civilians.”
U.S. says strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure
U.S. Central Command said Tuesday’s military operations targeted Iranian military infrastructure, including air-defense installations, radar systems and maritime assets.
The United States said the strikes were carried out in response to Iranian efforts to attack commercial vessels and American military forces in the Middle East.
U.S. President Donald Trump also said American forces had targeted radar systems that Iran was attempting to rebuild.
“We waited until it was almost built and then we hit it,” Trump told Fox News in a phone call.
Trump later said he was not interested in forcing Iran into a new agreement, arguing that Washington currently holds a stronger position in the conflict.
He also warned that any Iranian retaliation would result in further U.S. military action.
Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted
The renewed fighting has also raised concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes.
Before the war began, roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed through the strategic waterway. Iran has since largely disrupted shipping through the strait, despite repeated statements from Washington that the route remains open.
Only a limited number of vessels have reportedly been passing through the waterway each day, while attacks on ships have continued.
Saudi shipping company Bahri said Wednesday that two Filipino sailors were killed in an attack late Monday while their vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The disruption has contributed to a sharp rise in oil prices. Brent crude, the international benchmark, climbed above $95 a barrel, representing an increase of more than 30% since the beginning of the war.
Global economic and political concerns grow
The escalating conflict has sent fresh shockwaves through global markets and intensified concerns about inflation, energy supplies and economic growth.
Iran has also been facing severe economic pressure, including high inflation, negative economic growth and a weakening currency.
Washington has increased sanctions and other economic measures against Tehran while seeking concessions over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
The latest military escalation, however, has raised further questions about whether diplomatic efforts can succeed in ending the conflict.
With fighting spreading across parts of the Gulf and the wider Middle East, fears are growing that continued attacks could further destabilize the region and put additional pressure on global energy markets.
