Tensions in the Gulf: Missiles launched from Iran toward Kuwait and tanker attacked off Oman
The Kuwaiti army announced on Saturday that its defense systems were activated to intercept missiles launched from Iran. Meanwhile, an attack was reported on a tanker 21 nautical miles from Khasab, Oman. These events occur as Washington prepares for potential strikes on Iran following the failure of diplomatic efforts.
The Kuwaiti army announced today, Saturday, that the country's defense systems have been activated and are working to intercept missiles launched from Iran. Meanwhile, a report was received regarding an attack on a tanker near Oman, at a distance of about 21 nautical miles from the city of Khasab.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that a "large water splash and a blast" were observed in the immediate vicinity of the vessel. The agency further stated that no damage to the tanker was reported.
The events are taking place against the backdrop of reports in the United States that Washington is preparing to resume strikes in Iran as early as this weekend, following the failure of diplomatic efforts and the hardening of tone by President Donald Trump. According to reports overnight on CNN and CBS, the scope of the attack and the targets to be included have not yet been finalized, but among the options being examined are strikes on missile sites and energy infrastructure.
The Wall Street Journal reported today that Donald Trump has approved a new round of strikes, which may begin this weekend and last for several days. At the same time, a senior Iranian security official threatened that if Iran is attacked, Tehran will respond by striking vital infrastructure in Israel and American energy facilities in the region.
According to several sources who spoke today with CBS, the strikes could get underway as early as this weekend, although US President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval to launch the operation. Israel was updated in advance on the plans and is maintaining full coordination with the Americans ahead of the possibility of joint action.
According to a report on CNN, the US administration is also considering the option of attacking energy facilities in Iran, including the Pikes Mountain facility south of Tehran. According to sources, preparations for such a move have accelerated significantly in recent days.
It was also reported that the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has already prepared several operational alternatives and placed its forces on alert.
According to the Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump ordered an attack intended to bring Tehran to surrender. One of the options being examined in the White House is a war of about two weeks of intensive airstrikes aimed at damaging Iran's missile capabilities. However, Trump's military advisors warned that dwindling ammunition stocks could limit the operation.
At the same time, some American officials estimate that Iran will continue to stall in the negotiations, assuming that Donald Trump will find it difficult to continue the war for a long time in the face of growing political pressure at home.
Meanwhile, a senior security official in the Iranian regime told the Tasnim news agency:
"The claims in the American media about possible US and Israeli strikes against infrastructure in Iran are a kind of madness. Iran has prepared a large-scale response plan, including striking vital infrastructure in Israel and US energy infrastructure in the region."
