Fresh military strikes between the United States and Iran on Friday threatened to derail an already fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, even as American officials confirmed that Iranian football players had received visas to participate in the FIFA World Cup.
The renewed tensions come after weeks of difficult negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
A ceasefire in the Middle East war, which began nearly 100 days ago following coordinated US and Israeli strikes that reportedly eliminated top Iranian military leaders, has remained shaky since taking effect on 8 April.
US strikes radar sites after drone interception
Tensions escalated again when the United States Central Command said American forces struck Iranian radar facilities after intercepting drones allegedly heading toward the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, four Iranian drones were downed before US forces targeted radar installations in Goruk and on Qeshm Island.
“The attack drones posed an immediate threat to regional maritime traffic,” the command stated, adding that the radar strikes were intended to prevent further attacks.
Shortly after the strikes, air raid sirens reportedly sounded across Kuwait and Bahrain, with residents hearing explosions in both Gulf nations.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards later claimed responsibility for retaliatory missile attacks on what they described as “enemy bases in the area.”
Iran fires missiles toward Kuwait, Bahrain
Iranian state media reported that missile strikes were launched in response to what Tehran described as a US “invasion” of Sirik and Qeshm Island.
CENTCOM stated that Iran launched seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain.
According to the US military, six missiles were intercepted while the seventh failed to reach its target.
“There are currently no reports of harm to US personnel, and Iranian claims of damaging US 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain are false,” CENTCOM said.
Kuwait’s military later confirmed that its air defence systems were responding to what it described as “hostile missile and drone attacks.”
Iran team granted World Cup visas
Despite the escalating conflict, the United States confirmed that Iran’s national football team had been granted visas to participate in the upcoming FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
US Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said sports should rise above political tensions.
“Sports transcends borders, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from around the world,” he stated.
However, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that some members of the team’s technical and administrative staff had yet to receive visas.
A US administration official also warned that authorities would closely scrutinise entries linked to the Iranian delegation.
“We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences,” the official said.
The team is expected to travel from Turkey to Spain before proceeding to its base camp in Mexico.
Trump claims Iran still has missile capacity
Donald Trump said Iran still retained roughly “21 to 22 per cent” of its missile stockpile despite repeated claims by US officials that Tehran’s military capabilities had been heavily weakened.
The remarks come as global concern grows over the impact of the conflict on oil markets, regional stability and international trade.
Lebanon urges Iran to stop regional escalation
Meanwhile, Nawaf Salam publicly urged Iran to stop turning Lebanon into a battleground for regional conflicts.
“Have mercy on our south, stop treating it and its people as merely a bargaining chip,” Salam said during a press conference.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by accusing Lebanese leaders of ignoring what he described as the country’s “real foe.”
The conflict continues to place pressure on diplomatic negotiations as both sides remain locked in military and political confrontation.
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