Kuwait demands two Iran embassy staff leave after deadly attack

US‑Israel war on Iran: Recent developmentsDay 95: Rubio says Iran's Khamenei alive and 'increasingly engaging'Day 94: Kuwait intercepts missiles, drones; Iran halts US talksDay 93: Trump asked for tougher terms in proposed Iran war dealDay 92: Hormuz disruption raises summer fuel shortage fearsDay 91: Trump wraps Iran talks without announcementDay 90: US, Iran reach deal pending Trump's final approvalDay 89: Trump says 'not satisfied' yet on Iran dealDay 88: Iran condemns US attacks as violation of ceasefireDay 87: 'Proceeding nicely': US-Iran talks intensify, oil dropsDay 86: US-Iran talks: Trump says 'I don’t make bad deals'Day 85: Trump: Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’, Hormuz to openLebanon says Israeli strikes on south kill 5, wound 48, including hospital staff Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Tuesday killed five people, including a child, and wounded 48, the Lebanese health ministry said.Those wounded in the strikes across the south included "a doctor and five employees of Tebnine Governmental Hospital, which sustained damage in yet another episode of the series of attacks carried out by the Israeli enemy against hospitals and health centres", the ministry said in a statement.US blockade: Missile cripples crude oil tanker, preventing it from reaching Iran's Kharg Island The US military has disabled an empty oil tanker after it ignored repeated warnings and attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf, US Central Command said. A US aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the engine room of the Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie, preventing it from reaching Kharg Island, CentCom said in a statement.US forces have now disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 others since the blockade took effect. The M/T Lexie was transiting international waters when it was intercepted.Kharg Island, a small coral island in the northern Persian Gulf, serves as the terminal for roughly 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports. Its deepwater berths allow supertankers to dock and load directly, making it the centerpiece of Iran's petroleum export infrastructure, and a focal point of the ongoing US enforcement effort.A forward-looking infrared radar image shows the moment before a US aircraft disabled the empty Iran-bound crude oil tanker with a Hellfire missile hit to its engine room. Lebanon says Israeli strikes on south kill 5, wound 48, including hospital staff Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Tuesday killed five people, including a child, and wounded 48, the Lebanese health ministry said.Those wounded in the strikes across the south included "a doctor and five employees of Tebnine Governmental Hospital, which sustained damage in yet another episode of the series of attacks carried out by the Israeli enemy against hospitals and health centres", the ministry said in a statement.Kuwait military says air defences responding to missile, drone attacks Kuwait's military said on Wednesday its air defences were intercepting "hostile" missile and drone attacks, as the sounds of sirens rang out."Any sounds of explosions heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting these hostile attacks," the military said on X, without specifying their origin. Kuwait's state-run news agency KUNA reported that the sirens were heard for the second time that night.Ministry of Interior urged the public not to approach or touch any shrapnel, suspicious objects, or debris, warning of potential danger or explosion risks, and called for immediate reporting via emergency hotline.تتصدى حالياً الدفاعات الجوية الكويتية لهجمات صاروخية وطائرات مسيرة معادية.تنوه رئاسة الأركان العامة للجيش أن أصوات الانفجارات إن سمعت فهي نتيجة اعتراض منظومات الدفاع الجوي للهجمات المعادية.يرجى من الجميع التقيد بتعليمات الأمن والسلامة الصادرة عن الجهات المختصة.… pic.twitter.com/us5KIAGcih— KUWAIT ARMY - الجيش الكويتي (@KuwaitArmyGHQ) June 2, 2026 Bahrain emergency sirens activated, residents urged to head to safe locationBahrain's Ministry of Interior has confirmed that the siren has been sounded. "Citizens and residents are requested to remain calm, head to the nearest safe location, and follow updates through official channels."Bahrain has also shut its airspace and grounded civilian flights as threat over the Gulf intensifies.تم إطلاق صافرة الإنذار ،نرجو من المواطنين والمقيمين الهدوء والتوجه لأقرب مكان آمن ومتابعة الأخبار عبر القنوات الرسمية.— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) June 2, 2026 Significant air defence activity is "ongoing", as the Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says they’re targeting US bases.US military says it has 'defeated' Iran missile, drone attacks on neighboursThe US military that it had "successfully defeated" a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks on its regional neighbours, and conducted self-defence strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island."Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours; however, all failed to hit their intended targets," US Central Command said in a statement. "Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by US and Bahrain air defence forces."CENTCOM: Iranian claims of strikes on US forces in Bahrain falseIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed today that it struck the US 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a regional air base with missiles and drones.US Central Command (CENTCOM) labeled these claims false, confirming that all Iranian attacks on American forces failed. CENTCOM said US forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against any aggression. CLAIM: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims they struck U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a U.S. air base in the region with missiles and drones today. FALSE.✅ TRUTH: All Iranian attacks on American forces failed. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to… pic.twitter.com/KuYzaENUqI— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 2, 2026 Iranian drone attack on US Forces in Kuwait foiledU.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said an additional wave of Iranian drones targeting American forces in Kuwait failed to reach their intended targets.In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said US air defenses successfully intercepted and destroyed multiple drones, adding that no American personnel were injured and no military assets were damaged.An additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack U.S. forces in Kuwait failed to impact intended targets tonight. U.S. Central Command air defenses successfully downed multiple drones and ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 3, 2026 Oil prices rise on Iran peace worries, stocks build on tech rallyOil prices extended gains Wednesday as Middle East peace talks stuttered, though stocks mostly rose on the back of continued demand for all things linked to artificial intelligence.Despite Donald Trump's assurances that the United States and Iran are edging closer to ending their three-month-long war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, crude investors appear unmoved as they await solid progress.Unease on trading floors has risen this week after reports in Iran said it had broken off contact over Israel's attacks on Lebanon, which the US president denied on Tuesday.Japan's govt backs $19 billion to dampen Iran war impactPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government backed on Wednesday $19 billion in additional spending to help Japanese households struggling with soaring everyday costs driven by the Iran war.The budget could reportedly be passed as soon as Friday in the legislature that is dominated by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and allies of Takaichi, who said previously the money would go toward easing petrol, electricity and gas costs.The extra budget was "decided" at a cabinet meeting, the prime minister's office said on its website.Top government spokesman Minoru Kihara told reporters at a news conference the cabinet had allocated 3.1135 trillion yen ($19 billion).That includes 2.5 trillion yen for a newly established "contingency reserve" for the situation in the Middle East, he said."Amid ongoing uncertainty in the situation in the Middle East, we have formulated this budget from the standpoint of minimising risk," Kihara said.He added that the budget would allow for a "robust financial readiness" and that the government would closely monitor future price trends "so that the daily lives of the public and economic activity are not disrupted".Trump–Netanyahu tensions 'all talk,' says US lawmakerUS Republican Representative Thomas Massie suggested on X that temporarily halting foreign aid to Israel could immediately stop its military operations against neighbouring countries. The post claimed such a move would open the Strait of Hormuz, lower gas prices by roughly $2 per gallon, and reduce US taxpayer funding to Israel, which it described as the country’s largest aid recipient. The lawmaker called tensions between Trump and Netanyahu “all talk” and argued that financial pressure is the most direct way to achieve peace in the region.Europe development bank cuts growth forecasts on Mideast war The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development downgraded its economic forecasts Wednesday, noting that the energy price shock triggered by the Middle East war penalised Europe more than the United States.The bank, founded to help former Soviet bloc nations adopt free-market economies, said European gas prices exceeded those in the United States by a factor of five amid a widening gap."Electricity prices in Europe are also much higher than in the United States," the London-based EBRD said in its latest outlook report, which also focused on countries in the Middle East and Africa where it invests.The bank predicted that gross domestic product would slow to 3.1 percent across its regions of operation this year from 3.4 percent in 2025, with Europe more dependent on hydrocarbon imports than the United States.This was a downgrade of 0.5 percentage points from an EBRD forecast in February, before the US-Iran conflict began at the end of that month."The conflict in the Middle East has delivered a new shock to regions already navigating weakness in manufacturing industries and fragile fiscal positions," the bank's chief economist Beata Javorcik said in a statement."Higher energy costs are squeezing competitiveness, reigniting inflation and tightening fiscal space at a time when many economies can least afford it," she added.Iran drone attack forces closure of Kuwait International Airport Iran carried out a drone strike on a passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, wounding several people and forcing air traffic to be suspended, Kuwaiti officials said on Wednesday.Ministry of defence spokesman Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi described the attack as "criminal Iranian aggression which resulted in significant material damage to the building and injuries."Read more here.Kuwait airport hit by drones, several woundedHostile drones struck Terminal One at Kuwait International Airport, injuring a number of people and causing damage, the Ministry of Defense confirmed on Wednesday, following what it described as Iranian aggression late last night.Ministry spokesman Saud Al-Atwan said in a statement that the injured received necessary medical care.OECD cuts 2026 global growth forecasts over Mideast war falloutThe war in the Middle East has dented economic growth prospects worldwide, with a more severe shock likely if no effective ceasefire is agreed before 2027, the OECD warned Wednesday.Global economic growth is now forecast to reach 2.8 percent this year if Gulf exports of oil and gas return to pre-conflict levels in the third quarter, the group of 38 industrialised countries said in its quarterly update.If the Mideast war continues into next year, however, global growth could slow to 2.1 percent, the OECD said.IndiGo suspends Kuwait flights until June 4 Indian carrier IndiGo said it has suspended all flight operations to and from Kuwait until 12pm on June 4, 2026, citing the ongoing closure of Kuwaiti airspace.In a travel advisory, the airline said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure, with the safety of passengers and crew remaining its top priority. IndiGo said it is coordinating closely with aviation authorities and monitoring developments, adding that services will resume once conditions allow and safe operating corridors become available.The airline advised customers to check their flight status before travelling to the airport.Travel AdvisoryIn view of the ongoing airspace closure in Kuwait, our flight operations to and from Kuwait have been suspended until 1200 hrs on 4 June 2026.We understand the impact this may cause to your travel plans and sincerely regret the inconvenience. Please be assured…— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) June 3, 2026 UAE, Portugal FMs discuss Iran attacks, regional securitySheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has discussed in a phone call with Paulo Rangel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, regional developments and the repercussions of Iran's unprovoked terrorist attacks targeting civilian sites and facilities in the UAE using missiles and drones.The two ministers reviewed the serious implications of the terrorist attacks for international maritime navigation, energy supplies and the global economy.They also discussed ways to strengthen international efforts to promote security and lasting peace in the region.Sheikh Abdullah and Rangel reviewed the friendship ties between the UAE and Portugal and explored avenues for enhancing cooperation across various sectors in support of development efforts in both countries.Bahrain intercepts, destroys three missiles, several dronesThe General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force said that Iran continues its systematic hostile approach through missile and drone attacks targeting civilian sites in the Kingdom of Bahrain.In a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the General Command said its air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed three missiles and a number of drones.The statement stressed that the deliberate use of missiles and drones to target civilian sites and private property constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.Gargash calls for unified Gulf response to Iranian attacksIn a statement on X, Dr Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President called for a unified Gulf response following repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain.Gargash emphasized that no Gulf state should face aggression alone, noting that “the security of the Arab Gulf states is interconnected, their interests are shared, and their fate is one.” He described the attacks as a threat not to individual countries but to the region as a whole.Read more here.Iran says Kuwait, Bahrain to blame for US attacks Iran accused Kuwait and Bahrain of allowing the United States to use their territory to launch attacks on an Iranian tanker and island, as it condemned Washington for the strikes."The foreign ministry... condemns the colonialist use by the United States of the territory and infrastructure of countries in the region to advance its aggressive plans against Iran, and emphasises the direct and unmistakable responsibility of the leaders of Kuwait and Bahrain for last night's acts of aggression," a statement said.UAE condemns Iran attacks on BahrainThe UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the Iranian terrorist attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain with missiles and drones. In a statement, the Ministry described the attacks as a flagrant violation of Bahrain's sovereignty, a breach of international law, and a threat to its security, stability, and the safety of its vital and civilian facilities. The Ministry also expressed the UAE's full solidarity with Bahrain and its support for all measures the Kingdom takes to safeguard its security and stability.One killed in Iranian attack on Kuwait airportThe Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned and denounced, in the strongest terms, the brutal and ongoing Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones, the latest of which occurred at dawn on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. In a statement, the Ministry said the attacks once again targeted civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, resulting in the death of one individual, injuries to others, and damage to vital facilities, including diplomatic missions.Lebanon says Israel strikes near Beirut and across southLebanon said an Israeli strike hit a target near Beirut on Wednesday while a medical source told AFP six people were killed as Israel pounded the country's south.The Israeli army, meanwhile, said it intercepted a "hostile aircraft" that crossed into Israeli territory from Lebanon, the first such infiltration reported by the military in more than 24 hours.Israeli officials have warned the military will strike Beirut's southern suburbs if Hezbollah launches projectiles targeting Israeli communities in the north, a stance they say has backing from Washington.Hezbollah did not immediately claim any attack on northern Israel.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Kuwait says partially resumes flights after Iran attack on airportKuwait said it would resume flights for its flagship airline on Wednesday, hours after saying an Iranian attack had forced the airport to close and killed one person."The General Authority of Civil Aviation announced on Wednesday the resumption of all Kuwait Airways flights only, from Kuwait International Airport," it said in a statement. Arab Parliament Speaker condemns Iranian attacks on Kuwait, BahrainMohammed bin Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, strongly condemned the blatant and repeated Iranian terrorist attacks targeting civilian facilities and vital infrastructure in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, saying the actions constituted a flagrant violation of international laws and norms and humanitarian principles.In a statement on Wednesday, Al Yamahi affirmed the Arab Parliament's full solidarity with Kuwait and Bahrain and its support for all measures taken by the two countries to safeguard their national security and protect citizens and residents.He also praised the efficiency and readiness of both countries' armed forces in confronting these criminal attacks.Kuwait arrests social media user for filming air defense operationsKuwaiti authorities have arrested a social media user who filmed and published videos showing the country's air defence systems engaging Iranian missile attacks while driving, causing a traffic accident in the process, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.The ministry said that he was detained after authorities monitored footage posted online showing the interception of missiles by Kuwait's air defences during a period of heightened regional tensions.Iran executes man convicted of killing police officer during protest Iran's judiciary on Wednesday announced the execution of a man convicted of killing a police officer during the wave of anti-government protests that swept the country earlier this year.Iran executes more people annually than any other nation besides China, according to rights groups, and has carried out a string of executions for security-related cases since the outbreak in February of war with Israel and the United States."The death penalty has been carried out against Fathollah Avari, who had killed a police commander during the January protests in Hamedan" in western Iran, according to the judiciary's website, Mizan.No date was provided for Avari's arrest, trial or execution.On Wednesday, Iran's prosecutors accused Avari of "fatally stabbing a police officer" during a protest in Hamedan on January 8, at the height of the protests.In late December, a protest movement sparked by economic pains quickly expanded into mass anti-government rallies, and was met by a crackdown that rights groups say killed thousands.Iranian authorities portrayed the protests as riots backed by the United States and Israel, and said the violence killed around 3,000 people.Rights groups abroad put the toll higher and accused the security forces of firing at demonstrators.63 injured treated after attack in KuwaitDr. Abdullah Al Sund, spokesperson for the Kuwait Ministry of Health, confirmed that a comprehensive health mobilization has been active since the first hours of the Iranian aggression against Kuwait.According to Dr. Al Sund, 63 injury cases have been received, with seven major emergency surgeries successfully performed. The ministry added that the healthcare system continues to maintain heightened readiness around the clock to manage casualties and ensure public safety.Embassy of India in Kuwait expresses condolences Embassy of India in Kuwait has expressed its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on the airport in Kuwait today. The embassy is in touch with the bereaved family and is closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family as well as those injured in the incident.Lebanon says Israeli strike on ambulance in south kills two paramedics Lebanon's health ministry said two paramedics were killed on Wednesday in an Israeli strike on the country's south, with at least 130 emergency and health workers now killed since the Israel-Hezbollah war began in March.A ministry statement said that "the Israeli enemy directly targeted an ambulance belonging to the Risala Scouts Association", which is affiliated with Hezbollah ally the Amal movement, adding that "this resulted in the martyrdom of two paramedics and left a third with highly critical injuries."The ministry circulated pictures of a badly damaged ambulance, with medical masks spilling out of the vehicle and scattered on the road. Bangladesh raises electricity prices in latest Mideast war-related hike Bangladesh raised electricity prices by 16 per cent on Wednesday, the latest increase as the government seeks to ease pressure on state finances caused by the conflict in the Middle East.The South Asian nation of 170 million people depends heavily on imports for its energy needs. Repeated price hikes have added strain on people struggling with long-running inflation which hit 9.04 per cent in April.Jalal Ahmed, chairman of Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission, announced the 16-per cent hike two days after fuel prices were raised, taking kerosene to 135 taka ($1.09) per litre up from 130, and petrol to 140 taka from 135. Diesel was unchanged. Israel detains Palestinian national football player Israeli authorities on Wednesday extended the detention of a player on the Palestinian women's national football team after she was summoned for questioning in Jerusalem, Palestinian officials reported.The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) denounced the prolonged detention of 20-year-old Rand Halawani, who was arrested on Tuesday evening.In a statement, it said Halawani's arrest and that of a former national team player was "not an isolated incident, it is part of a well-documented pattern of systematic targeting of Palestinian athletes, which continues without accountability". Trump says 'would like to meet' Iran leader Khamenei US President Donald Trump said he "would like to meet" Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in an interview published Wednesday."I would like to meet him, and we probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out," Trump told the New York Post's "Pod Force One". Kuwait's air defences intercepted 13 missiles and 17 drones from IranKuwait's air defences intercepted 13 missiles and 17 drones launched from Iran, authorities said, as the country continued to assess the impact of the attacks. The strikes killed an Indian resident and injured 63 others, while causing significant damage to civilian infrastructure and vital facilities, according to official statements. The government said emergency response and recovery efforts remain under way.Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim attack on Kuwait Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Wednesday claimed an attack against Kuwait, which it said was in retaliation for US attacks on an Iranian oil tanker and island."In response to this aggression, the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts helicopters, as well as the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, were targeted with missiles and drones by the Guards' forces," the Guards said in a statement on their official Telegram channel. Trump confirms using foul language with Israel's Netanyahu US President Donald Trump has confirmed a tense exchange with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which he reportedly berated his close ally with expletives.In an interview published Wednesday in the New York Post, Trump was asked about the conversation he had with Netanyahu over the phone on Monday."You said, 'Are you [expletive] crazy? What are you [expletive] doing? I helped you stay out of jail.' Is that true? Did you speak to him in those terms?" the interviewer asked."I did," Trump responded. "I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon.""I said, 'Bibi, we gotta stop this.'"Trump went on to say he had a "very good relationship" with Netanyahu. "We've done well together... I like Bibi a lot."Trump unleashed the profane tirade over Israel's threats to bomb the Lebanese capital Beirut, fearing it would undermine talks with Tehran to end the war in the Middle East, the Axios news outlet and ABC News reported.The exchange underscored the shaky ties between two right-wing allies who started the war by launching an attack on Iran in late February that spread to Israel striking Lebanon.Israeli media have rejected the account of the conversation. India approves $1b fund for airlines as fuel costs surge India approved a $1 billion support package for airlines on Wednesday to cushion the impact of soaring aviation fuel costs triggered by the Iran war.The conflict has engulfed the oil-rich Middle East and choked the Strait of Hormuz, through which one fifth of the world's oil usually passes, sending aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices soaring.The crisis has sparked concerns over carrier profitability and led to a hike in fares.The one-off payment would be provided as interest-free advances to state-run oil marketing companies to help steady ATF prices for carriers operating domestically and internationally, the government said."The measure will help protect and sustain domestic and international air connectivity, ensuring continuity of air services," it said in a statement.Government data shows ATF prices have more than doubled since March, rising from 60.50 rupees ($0.63) per litre to 142 rupees ($1.49) in May.Fuel accounts for around 40 percent of an airline's operating costs and spiralling costs pile pressure on margins. IMF says Saudi economy 'resilient' despite Mideast war Saudi Arabia's economy has shown resilience in the face of headwinds triggered by the Middle East war thanks in part to energy and logistics infrastructure that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, the IMF said Wednesday.The Gulf has borne much of the brunt of the war since it began with a wave of US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. "The Saudi economy is proving resilient in the face of the war in the Middle East thanks to strong fundamentals and diversified logistical and oil infrastructure," the International Monetary Fund said in a report."The war has nonetheless disrupted its momentum, curtailing oil exports and weighing on non-oil activity and confidence."Kuwait demands two Iran embassy staff leave after deadly attack Kuwait has ordered two Iranian diplomats to leave the country within 24 hours, in a further escalation of tensions following Iranian attacks on Kuwaiti territory. Kuwait's deputy foreign affairs minister Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan summoned Iran's charge d'affaires in Kuwait, Hamed Hamid Yaqoubi Far, and "handed him an official protest note regarding the continued Iranian attacks and the decision to reduce the number of members of the Iranian Embassy in the country and to consider two members of the Iranian diplomatic mission persona non grata, and request their departure from the territory of the State of Kuwait within a maximum period of 24 hours", the ministry said in a statement.The Foreign Ministry said the move was part of diplomatic measures taken in response to Iran's recent missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait International Airport, which left dozens of casualties and caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure. The decision comes as Kuwait continues to coordinate with regional and international partners amid the unfolding crisis.UAE condemns attack on KuwaitRead the full statement here: UAE Strongly Condemns Terrorist Attacks by Iran on Kuwait pic.twitter.com/UNLvco5wdk— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 3, 2026 Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is directly involved in negotiations: TrumpUS President Donald Trump was quoted as saying by Saudi Gazette said on Wednesday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is directly involved in negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement to end the conflict between Washington and Tehran.“He’s involved, absolutely. Yeah, I think they have a lot of respect for him,” Trump said of Khamenei during an interview with Pod Force One.President Trump joins Pod Force One to break down Iran negotiations, SAVE America Act and more. Watch the key moments in under two minutes. pic.twitter.com/1Kp0aun3Ls— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 3, 2026 Kuwait denies territory, airspace used for attacks after Iran claims Kuwait said on Wednesday that its territory and airspace were not used to attack "any country", denying Iranian claims that the United States launched strikes from there.The denial came as Kuwait summoned Iran's charge d'affaires, with Deputy Foreign Minister Hamad Suleiman Al-Mashaan issuing "Kuwait's categorical rejection of the use of its territory or airspace in any hostile acts against any country, emphasising that the false Iranian claims are baseless and do not rely on evidence", a ministry statement said. Hezbollah claims rocket attack targeting troops in northern Israel Hezbollah claimed an attack on Israeli troops in northern Israel on Wednesday as Israeli and Lebanese officials began a second day of direct talks in Washington that Hezbollah opposes.In a statement, Hezbollah said that "in response to the Israeli enemy army's violation of the ceasefire", its fighters targeted "a gathering of Israeli enemy army soldiers" in northern Israel with a rocket barrage.Israeli officials have warned the military will strike Beirut's southern suburbs if the Iran-backed group launches projectiles targeting Israeli communities in the north, a stance they say has backing from Washington. Second day of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon underway: CNNUS-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon are underway at the US State Department for the second day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said. “As I speak to you now, for the second consecutive day, and for the first time in many, many years, the leaders of the legitimate government of Lebanon and leaders from the government of Israel are seated at the State Department for the second day in a row, and hopefully today will produce a joint statement and an action plan on the track for security in that country,” Rubio told House Foreign Affairs lawmakers Wednesday.He noted there had been a similar military-level meeting last week at the Pentagon.Netanyahu says he and Trump share goal to disarm Hezbollah, demilitarise Lebanon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that he and US President Donald Trump are aligned on the goal of disarming Hezbollah in order to achieve peace between Israel and Lebanon.Hezbollah "is an Iranian proxy that puts all the citizens of Lebanon at gunpoint and uses Lebanon as a platform to launch terror missiles into our cities, to launch killer drones against our civilians", Netanyahu said in an interview with US television channel CNBC."And so if we want to save Lebanon, if we want to get a Lebanese-Israeli peace, as I do, we have to disarm Hezbollah and we have to demilitarise Lebanon. And I know that this is a goal that the president and I share, and that's what we have to do." Kuwait PM visits Kuwait International AirportThis handout photo provided by the Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA) on June 3, 2026 shows Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad al-Abdullah al-Sabah (2R) inspecting the damaged airport after an Iranian attack, in Kuwait City.Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah visited Terminal 1 at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday to inspect damage caused by the brutal Iranian drone and missile attacks that struck the facility earlier today.During the visit, Sheikh Ahmad was briefed on the circumstances surrounding the death of a victim and the injuries sustained by others in the attack, as well as the extent of the significant damage inflicted on several airport facilities.The Prime Minister reviewed assessments prepared by relevant authorities on the impact of the strike and ongoing efforts to secure the site and restore normal operations.His Highness the Prime Minister visits #Kuwait International Airport's Terminal 1 building after it was severely damaged by a wave of Iranian missile & drone attacks.https://t.co/8p5IB63yjO#KUNA_Video#KUNA #Kuwait pic.twitter.com/TqCqFaS4P6— Kuwait News Agency - English Feed (@kuna_en) June 3, 2026 Netanyahu says Iran 'playing with fire' after attacks on Kuwait Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Iran was "playing with fire" after the Islamic republic carried out an attack on Kuwait."Iran surely knows what the (US) president has said, that if necessary, there'll be a full-scale return to military action," Netanyahu said in an interview with US channel CNBC when asked if there was still a ceasefire following recent attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain."You know, it's the president's decision. Israel is ready and the US forces are ready. I think Iran should take that into account. I think they are taking it into account but they're playing with fire, that's clear."Rubio hopeful for action plan on Israel-Lebanon US Secretary Marco Rubio voiced hope Wednesday that the latest round of talks in Washington between Israel and Lebanon will produce a security roadmap, despite Israel and Hezbollah's continuing hostilities.Israeli and Lebanese envoys meeting Wednesday for the fourth round of direct talks in the US capital "hopefully today will... produce a joint statement and an action plan on the track for security in that country, independent from Hezbollah," Rubio told a congressional panel.The negotiations come days after US President Donald Trump said the two countries had pledged to de-escalate.But Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel Wednesday and Lebanon saying Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics. Aboul Gheit condemns Iranian attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, strongly condemned the blatant Iranian attacks on civilian facilities in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, carried out using ballistic missiles and drones on Wednesday.In a statement issued today, Aboul Gheit stressed that the unjustified Iranian attacks on civilian objects and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in casualties, injuries and significant material damage, constitute a dangerous escalation and a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, international humanitarian law, and the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols.He called on Iran to immediately and unconditionally halt these reprehensible attacks and to abandon its policy of provocation and escalation, which undermines regional security and stability.Egypt condemns Iranian attacks on Bahrain Egypt strongly condemned the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom of Bahrain, describing them as a clear violation of the kingdom's sovereignty and a serious escalation that threatens regional security and stability.In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Egypt reaffirmed its full solidarity with Bahrain and support for all measures taken to protect its security, citizens, and vital facilities.Egypt also renewed its rejection of any actions that violate the sovereignty of Arab states or threaten their territorial integrity, stressing that the security and stability of Gulf countries are an integral part of Egyptian and Arab national security. Qatar strongly condemns Iranian attacks on civilian targets in Kuwait, BahrainThe State of Qatar strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on civilian targets in the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, including the attack on Kuwait International Airport, which resulted in significant damage to several of its facilities and injuries.Qatar considered these attacks a grave violation of the sovereignty of both countries and a blatant breach of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, as well as the principles of international humanitarian law, specifically the principle of distinction, the prohibition against targeting civilians and civilian targets in armed conflicts, and the prohibition against indiscriminate attacks.In a statement issued on Wednesday and carried by Qatar News Agency (QNA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar's complete rejection of targeting civilian targets and vital infrastructure, emphasising the necessity of shielding the region from the consequences of unprovoked attacks and de-escalating tensions to restore regional and global security and stability.Iran chief negotiator says any US-Israeli attack will face 'decisive' response Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Tehran would meet any attack with a strong response, local media reported Wednesday, after its Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted Kuwait in retaliation for US attacks."Today, the Iranian nation, in its battle with America and the Zionist regime, showed that the era of free-of-charge Iran threats is over and that any aggression will be met with a decisive, regrettable, and proportionate response," Ghalibaf said, according to local news agency ISNA.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Enriched uranium key issue in Iran talks, no deal yet: Rubio The fate of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpiles is at the centre of talks with Washington, and Tehran has not yet agreed to a peace deal, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday.Washington insists that Iran must turn over its near-weapons-grade enriched uranium, agree to curb its nuclear activities and re-open the Strait of Hormuz for any peace agreement to take hold."I think now, in some of the papers that have been exchanged back and forth, it's clearly addressed, but we...still don't have final sign off from their system as of this morning," Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.Rubio also doubled down on his assertion that the war in Iran was over, even as Iran attacked Kuwait's airport, killing one and wounding 63 people on Wednesday, in a significant escalation."We're no longer conducting sustained strikes inside of Iran to degrade their military, because Epic Fury is over," Rubio told the panel, asserting that the United States has scored a victory."We define victory as destroying their defense industrial base, significantly reducing the number of missile launchers that they possess, significantly reducing their stockpile of drones," Rubio said. "And we achieved all those, in addition to destroying what they had left of an air force and wiping out their entire conventional navy."Iran has said it needs the release of $12 billion in frozen assets before engaging in substantive talks on its nuclear program, and dismissed earlier comments by US President Donald Trump, suggesting that its stockpile of enriched uranium would ultimately be destroyed. US government watchdogs begin Iran war oversight after deciding hostilities passed 60 days: CNNThe Pentagon, State Department and USAID inspectors general have launched a joint review of the US war with Iran, announcing in a press release Wednesday that they are mandated by law to probe overseas military operations that exceed 60 days, CNN reported.The announcement is significant because it indicates that the watchdogs believe that, legally, the war has lasted more than 60 days from its commencement on February 28. Under the War Powers Act, the president is prohibited from keeping US troops in active hostilities for more than 60 days without congressional approval.The administration never sought such approval for Operation Epic Fury, the name the US gave to its military campaign against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last month that it was his understanding that the 60-day clock on the war “reset” when President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire in April. Bahrain arrests 15 people linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps  Bahrain has arrested 15 people accused of operating as field agents for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in a major security operation targeting activities that threatened national security, the Ministry of Interior said on Wednesday.The ministry said the suspects were involved in carrying out directives aimed at inciting citizens, particularly young people, and encouraging them to engage in illegal activities.Iran FM warns any attack on Beirut will trigger 'full-scale resumption of war'Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Wednesday that any attack on Lebanese capital Beirut would trigger a "full-scale resumption" of the Middle East war, as Israel pressed its campaign against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah."Any attack on Beirut will have grave consequences and will lead to a full-scale resumption of the war," the Tasnim news agency quoted Araghchi as telling Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV. "Our armed forces are ready to strike Israel if it attacks Beirut."Iran FM says 'no tangible progress' in talks with US to end warIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that lines of communication with the United States were still open, but "no tangible progress" has been made in negotiations to end the Middle East war."Communications with the Americans have not been cut off, and messages have been exchanged regarding the need to stop aggression against Beirut, but no tangible progress has been made in the negotiation process," the Tasnim news agency quoted him as telling Lebanon's Al Mayadeen TV."Returning to the negotiating table is conditional on ensuring the rights of the Iranian people, ending the war in Lebanon, and stopping tensions in the region."Iran's Guards deny deadly attack on Kuwait airport Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied responsibility on Wednesday for an attack on Kuwait's international airport that officials said left an Indian national dead and 63 people wounded."Our investigation and review into the Kuwait passenger terminal attack shows that the IRGC Air Force did not fire any shots at this target," said Guards spokesman Hossein Mohebi, according to the IRGC's official Telegram channel.He said that "the destruction of the Kuwait airport passenger terminal was caused by an error in the American Patriot systems, which landed on the terminal after failing to intercept Iranian missiles".The Guards earlier said they had targeted a different location, "the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts helicopters" for the US.US: Iran's attack on Kuwait was 'deliberate, calculated'CLAIM: Iran claimed today that it did not attack the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport and damage was instead caused by a U.S. missile interceptor. Totally FALSE.✅TRUTH: Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and… pic.twitter.com/OVrzeDibQl— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 3, 2026 8 killed, including 2 medics, in Israeli strikes in southern LebanonAt least eight people were killed in separate Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said late on Wednesday, as per CNN. The BBC reported nine people were killed in the recent attacks. Both news organisations reported that the dead included two paramedics whose ambulance was hit while responding to emergencies.The ministry's Emergency Operations Center said an air strike on the town of Housh in the Tyre district killed six people. The victims included four Syrians and two Palestinians.In a separate incident, an ambulance operated by the Al-Risala Scout Association was struck in the town of Shahour (also spelled as "Chehour"), the ministry said. Two paramedics were killed. A third was seriously wounded and underwent emergency surgery.Lebanon's Health Ministry condemned the attack on the ambulance. It said the strike breached international humanitarian law, which protects medical personnel and emergency responders during armed conflict.Ceasefire under fire: Trump sees progress with Iran as Israel-Lebanon violence threatens wider conflictA fragile US-Iran ceasefire is facing one of its toughest tests yet, even as President Donald Trump insists diplomacy remains on track.Speaking to reporters, Trump said the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran remains intact despite a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. He described ongoing negotiations with Iran as having gone “very well,” signaling optimism that months of tension could still yield a broader agreement.The remarks came after Iran claimed responsibility for what it called “self-defence strikes” targeting US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as a vessel near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The attacks followed US military operations against Iranian targets near the waterway, underscoring how quickly the region could slide back into open conflict despite the ceasefire framework.Washington and Tehran 'moving closer to a multi-phase interim agreement': reportWashington and Tehran are moving closer to a multi-phase interim agreement that begins with de-escalation and could eventually address Iran’s nuclear programme.The talks focused on an unpublished draft memorandum outlining a framework implemented in four phases, each dependent on mutual complianceThe first phase focuses on stabilising a ceasefire, preventing further escalation, and avoiding the opening of new regional fronts, with Iran insisting on Lebanon be included in the arrangement.The second phase is meant to address maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, including restoring full commercial shipping flows and easing restrictions on vessels and energy routes.US military denies its vessel was hit in Sea of Oman, says 'Iran is lying' about Strait of Hormuz rules violationUS Central Command on Wednesday rejected Iranian assertions that its forces targeted a US Navy destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, calling the claims false and affirming that American naval assets in the region remain fully operational."Iran is lying," CentCom stated in a post on X. "US military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded." The command accompanied the statement with a graphic labeled "Fact Check." The denial follows Iranian claims amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region. It comes one day after reports of an Iranian drone strike on Kuwait International Airport that killed at least one person and injured dozens, which allied countries condemned as aggression. US officials have linked such actions to broader Iranian retaliation in an ongoing conflict that escalated earlier in 2026. The US and Iran have been engaged in direct and proxy hostilities since early 2026, including US-led strikes under Operation Epic Fury aimed at degrading Iran's military capabilities, enforcement of a naval blockade in the Gulf, and Iranian responses involving missiles, drones, and attacks on shipping and regional targets.Netanyahu a 'great partner', says Trump amid reports of rift between two leadersPresident Donald Trump sought to underscore his close relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, describing him as a "great partner" just days after revealing frustrations over Israel's military operations in Lebanon.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump downplayed reports of a rift between the two leaders and emphasized that their strategic partnership remains intact despite occasional disagreements over regional security issues.“Bibi Netanyahu has been for me a great partner. For other people not so good, for me he’s been very good,” Trump said, using Netanyahu's longtime nickname.The remarks came after Trump disclosed details of a recent phone call with the Israeli leader in which he expressed concern over continued military activity along Israel's northern border with Lebanon.Earlier this week, Trump said he had become increasingly uneasy as Israel pressed ahead with military operations while Washington was simultaneously pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions with Iran.“I wouldn’t say angry. I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon. You know, at some point I said, ‘Bibi, we got to stop this,’” Trump said during an interview on a New York Post podcast recorded Tuesday and released Wednesday.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.Video: CCTV footage reveals moment Iranian Shahed kamikaze drone hits Kuwait Airport Terminal CCTV footage from multiple angles captured a low-flying drone slamming into a passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday, causing visible damage. This raises questions about the accuracy of Iranian denials that it targeted civilian infrastructure amid escalating regional conflict. One widely circulated video shows the unmanned aerial vehicle, consistent in appearance with an Iranian Shahed-136 "kamikaze" drone, approaching Terminal 1 from the east before impacting the structure. Additional angles from security cameras depict the drone in its terminal dive phase and the ensuing explosion and smoke, according to posts circulating on social media and analysed by open-source intelligence accounts.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied responsibility for striking the airport, instead attributing the damage to a malfunctioning US-made Patriot air defense missile that allegedly failed to intercept Iranian projectiles and fell onto the terminal. Trump says Iran talks could yield result 'this weekend'US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that talks with Iran are going "very well" and could yield results over the coming weekend."I hear the negotiation itself is going very well actually," Trump told reporters, adding of a potential deal: "It could happen... over the weekend."Trump's assessment differed sharply from that of Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who said that lines of communication with the United States were still open, but "no tangible progress" had been made in negotiations to end the Middle East war.Trump also said he wants to separate the US-Iran talks from those on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.House passes war powers rebuke targeting Trump over Iran strikes The US House of Representatives approved a resolution late on Wednesday to restrict President Donald Trump’s authority to take military action in Iran, marking a rare bipartisan break and a fresh flashpoint in the escalating constitutional debate over executive war powers.The measure passed 215–208, with four Republicans—Reps. Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson—joining all Democrats in support, underscoring growing unease within parts of the GOP over Trump’s handling of foreign policy and military escalation.The resolution, introduced by New York Democrat Rep. Gregory Meeks, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reflects a broader Democratic effort to reassert congressional authority over military action. Similar war powers challenges have been repeatedly brought in both chambers in recent months, gradually attracting limited Republican backing.“I am thrilled that we’ve had the opportunity to have some members from the Republican side stand up. I’m really thrilled and proud of my Democratic colleagues, because every Democrat, every single one voted for this,” Meeks told reporters after the vote. The vote highlights an increasingly uneasy dynamic within the Republican-controlled Congress, where some lawmakers have shown willingness to break with Trump on procedural and constitutional grounds, even as party leadership continues to broadly support his agenda.Lebanon, Israel agree to implement ceasefire following Washington talks Lebanon and Israel have agreed to implement a ceasefire following extensive negotiations held in Washington, according to a joint statement issued by the United States late last night. The joint communique outlines that the ceasefire is strictly conditional upon the complete cessation of hostilities by Hezbollah and the withdrawal of all its elements from the region south of the Litani River.We are closing this coverage now. For latest updates, click here.