US says it struck Iranian radar sites as Kuwait reports missile and drone attacks

June 1, 2026

The United States and Iran engaged in military strikes over the weekend, representing the third escalation in a week near the Strait of Hormuz shipping channel. American forces conducted what they called defensive strikes against Iranian radar and drone facilities after Iran shot down a US drone, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed it retaliated by targeting a US air base. The exchange occurred as negotiations for a permanent peace deal stalled, with Iran accusing the US of constantly changing demands related to the strait's reopening and uranium removal.

Who is affected

US military personnel and Central Command forces
Iranian military forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Kuwaiti civilians and military forces confronting missile and drone attacks
Ships and maritime traffic attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz
Israel and Lebanon, involved in related conflict
Hezbollah forces in Lebanon
Global oil and LNG markets dependent on Strait of Hormuz shipments

What action is being taken

US forces are conducting self-defense strikes on Iranian radar, command and control sites, air defenses, ground control stations, and drones
Iran's IRGC is targeting US air bases
Kuwait's air defense system is confronting hostile missiles and drones
The US and Iran are negotiating (though stalled) on a deal to end the conflict
Air raid sirens are sounding across Kuwait

Why it matters

This conflict threatens global economic stability as the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes, remains effectively closed, causing oil prices to soar. The escalating military exchanges demonstrate the fragility of the ceasefire and risk broader regional war involving Kuwait, Lebanon, Israel, and Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah. The breakdown in negotiations, with both sides accusing each other of changing demands and violating terms, suggests the conflict could intensify further, potentially drawing in additional regional actors and disrupting critical global energy supplies.

What's next

Iran has warned its response would be "completely different" if US aggression is repeated
Kuwait has reserved the right to take "whatever measures are necessary" to defend itself
Negotiations continue on a 60-day cessation of violence and reopening the Strait of Hormuz
Discussions are ongoing regarding a framework to reopen negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme
Iran maintains that ending conflict in Lebanon remains an "essential condition" for any deal

Read full article from source: BBC