TEHRAN: The Middle East faced a sharp escalation over the weekend as the US military launched targeted strikes against Iranian infrastructure, coinciding with drone and missile attacks in Kuwait and an expanding Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

The US military confirmed it carried out air strikes against Iranian radar and drone sites located in the city of Goruk and on Qeshm Island.

The operation followed a major claim by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that it had launched a retaliatory strike against a military base it alleges was utilized in a prior attack on Iran’s Sirik Island.
In tandem with these strikes, neighboring Kuwait reported dealing with “hostile” missile and drone attacks on its territory, further raising fears of a widening regional spillover.

Despite the military fireworks, backdoor diplomatic channels appear to remain open. US President Donald Trump announced that Washington is close to securing a “very good deal” with Tehran. However, US media outlets report that the President is simultaneously pushing for significantly tougher terms than previously negotiated.

Responding to the claims, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the exchange of messages between the United States and Iran is ongoing through intermediaries. However, Araghchi downplayed expectations of an immediate breakthrough, stating, “nothing is certain until a deal is finalized.”
The escalation comes against the backdrop of Israel’s expanding ground and air invasion of Lebanon, a move that has drawn fierce global condemnation.

Sounding the alarm over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, France has officially requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to address the crisis.