US-Iran Missile Exchanges Escalate Conflict Across Middle East

The United States and Iran have resumed large‑scale missile and drone barrages, with Jordan intercepting five Iranian missiles, Kuwait suffering a strike that killed a worker, and Saudi Arabia reporting fire from Iran‑backed militias in Iraq. Drones also ignited fires on ships at an Egyptian port. The five‑month war, which began with expectations of a short campaign, has driven up fuel prices and strained the global economy, while U.S. officials warn of depleting weapon stockpiles needed to protect regional allies. Pakistani mediators continue diplomatic talks, and a new AP‑NORC poll shows declining American support for the conflict.

The fighting has also tested the Gulf Cooperation Council. Although the GCC initially issued a joint statement pledging solidarity and pushed for a UN‑backed ceasefire, the crisis has exposed deep divisions among Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, preventing a lasting united front against Iran’s strikes.