Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, 

The conflict widened overnight after US forces struck targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island, prompting Iranian retaliatory attacks against US-linked military sites in the Gulf.

Despite the escalation, Washington and Tehran both signalled that diplomatic contacts remain ongoing, while US-backed talks between Lebanon and Israel continue to advance.

Here are the latest developments: 

• US Central Command says it carried out “self-defence” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, targeting radar and communications infrastructure.

• Iran’s Revolutionary Guard says it responded with missile and drone attacks against US military targets in the region, calling the operation a warning to Washington.

• Kuwait says drones and missiles entered its airspace, with air defences intercepting incoming threats; reports indicate damage at an airport passenger terminal.

• Bahrain activated warning sirens amid reported aerial threats, while US and Bahraini forces say incoming missiles were intercepted.

• Centcom says Iranian missile and drone attacks failed to hit their intended targets and did not cause significant damage.

• Trump rejects suggestions that negotiations have stalled, saying contacts with Tehran have continued without interruption.

• US officials say Lebanon-Israel negotiations are making progress towards a broader agreement aimed at restoring stability along the border.

• Israeli attacks in Lebanon killed at least seven people, including a paramedic, as cross-border fighting persisted.

• Brent crude moved closer to $100 a barrel as investors weighed the risk of further escalation across the Gulf and wider region.