Photo: Razieh Poudat/ISNA
The US and Iran exchange fresh missile strikes as the five-month conflict intensifies, raising fears of a wider Middle East war and economic fallout.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered another dangerous phase. Fresh missile attacks from both sides have ended a brief period of calm, while hopes for a quick diplomatic breakthrough continue to fade.
At the same time, the latest wave of strikes has spread concern across the Middle East. Several neighbouring countries have also faced growing security threats, adding to fears that the conflict could widen even further.
Missile Attacks Spread Across the Region
Iran launched another round of missiles on Thursday, prompting Jordan to intercept several projectiles for the second straight day. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in Jordan.
Meanwhile, Kuwait confirmed that one missile strike hit a building linked to a Chinese company in the country’s north. The attack killed one worker and caused major damage. Since both Jordan and Kuwait host American military forces, the incidents have raised fresh concerns about regional security.
In response, the United States carried out a large-scale military operation targeting dozens of Iranian sites. According to US Central Command, the strikes focused on military headquarters, missile facilities, drone bases, and coastal defence positions operated by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Iranian state media later reported that a strike on Qeshm Island killed three people and injured two others. The island sits near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and natural gas.
Recent Calm Ends as Fighting Intensifies
Only days ago, many observers believed diplomacy might gain traction after a temporary slowdown in fighting.
However, those hopes quickly disappeared.
Missile and drone attacks have returned across several parts of the Middle East, creating fresh uncertainty for governments and civilians alike.
Pakistan, which has helped mediate discussions, acknowledged that negotiations continue. Officials said talks remain focused on restoring stability, especially around the Strait of Hormuz.
New Attacks Raise Alarm Beyond Iran and the US
The conflict has now reached additional countries.
Drone attacks sparked fires aboard two natural gas vessels at Egypt’s Port of Damietta. Although no one suffered injuries, investigators confirmed that a drone caused the fires. Authorities continue to examine evidence to determine who launched the attack.
Egypt has largely avoided direct military action throughout the conflict. Therefore, the latest incident has increased worries that the fighting could spread into new territory.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stopped short of denying any involvement. Instead, he stressed that Egypt remains an important regional partner and called for vigilance against actions that could increase tensions.
Energy Supplies Face Growing Pressure
The conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments. Yet shipping traffic through the waterway has dropped sharply as military activity has intensified.
Shipping analysts reported that vessel movements fell dramatically over the past two weeks, highlighting the growing risks for global trade.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia has accused Iran-backed militias in Iraq of targeting its energy infrastructure with drones. The Houthis have also threatened shipping routes near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, creating additional pressure on regional supply chains.
As a result, Saudi exporters have relied more heavily on longer and more expensive transport routes through Egypt before oil reaches international markets.
Economic Impact Continues to Grow
The prolonged conflict has placed increasing pressure on the global economy.
Fuel prices have climbed as energy supplies face disruption. Businesses and consumers around the world continue to feel the effects through higher transportation and operating costs.
Meanwhile, questions have also emerged inside the United States about the long-term military campaign. Concerns continue to grow over defence resources, while recent polling suggests public support for President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict has weakened slightly.
Saudi Arabia Pushes for De-escalation
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts remain active.
Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman recently met with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss the conflict.
Sources familiar with the discussions said Saudi Arabia joined recent military operations against Iran-backed militias to demonstrate that attacks on its oil facilities would not be tolerated.
Even so, Saudi leaders continue to urge both Washington and Tehran to reduce tensions and return to negotiations before the conflict expands further.
Outlook Remains Uncertain
After five months of fighting, neither side appears ready to step back.
Instead, both countries continue to exchange military strikes while regional powers work to prevent a broader war. As diplomacy struggles to gain momentum, uncertainty continues to grow across the Middle East, leaving global markets and international leaders closely watching every new development.
