Iran Fires Missile at Kuwait as US Downs 4 Drones Near Hormuz
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 28
Iran Fires Missile at Kuwait as US Downs 4 Drones Near Hormuz
7 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 28
Kuwaiti forces intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile fired toward a U.S. base early Thursday, after Tehran said it was retaliating for American strikes in southern Iran.
U.S. forces had downed four Iranian drones over the Strait of Hormuz late Wednesday and struck a drone ground-control station in Bandar Abbas, calling the action self-defense.
The exchange hit as Washington and Tehran had signaled they were nearing a narrow deal to resume commercial shipping through the strait, underscoring how fragile those talks remain.
Brent crude rose more than 2% to about $94 a barrel, while Washington also tightened pressure by sanctioning Iran's new Strait Authority and warning Oman against any toll-sharing arrangement.
As Asian powers cut separate deals with Iran, is the U.S.-led coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz collapsing?
Is Iran's 'toll booth' on a vital oil artery creating a dangerous new precedent for global maritime trade?
U.S. intelligence misjudged Iran's rapid military recovery. What other miscalculations are shaping this escalating conflict?
Global Fallout from the 2026 Strait of Hormuz Conflict: Energy, Diplomacy, and Power Shifts
Overview
On May 28, 2026, Iran launched multiple missiles and drones at Kuwait, prompting Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to issue its strongest condemnation and denunciation of the attacks. The United States military called the Iranian missile strike an egregious ceasefire violation, highlighting the ongoing exchange of strikes between the US and Iran. Just hours before, Iranian forces had launched five one-way attack drones near the critical Strait of Hormuz, all of which were intercepted by US forces, who also stopped a sixth drone launch. These rapid military actions and mutual accusations have stalled diplomacy and heightened regional tensions.