At least 12 American troops were injured in an Iranian missile and drone attack on a key Saudi Arabian air base, marking one of the most serious breaches of US military defences since the ongoing conflict began on February 28.
Multiple US media outlets reported that the strike targeted the Prince Sultan Air Base, with two personnel reported to be seriously wounded. The attack also caused significant damage to at least two KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft stationed at the facility.
The combined missile and drone assault underscores Iran’s growing ability to penetrate US air defence systems in the region. Since the outbreak of hostilities, Tehran has repeatedly targeted American bases across West Asia using ballistic missiles and drones, forcing the US military to disperse troops and assets, in some cases relocating personnel as far as Europe.
The latest strike is seen as a major escalation in the month-long war, highlighting the vulnerability of even heavily fortified installations.
The conflict intensified further as Israel launched strikes on multiple strategic and industrial sites inside Iran. Iranian media reported attacks on nuclear facilities, including a uranium processing plant and a research centre, while Israeli forces also targeted steel plants and other industrial complexes.
The shift towards economic and civilian infrastructure suggests a broader Israeli strategy to weaken Iran’s industrial base. Tehran has warned it could retaliate against businesses in the region linked to the US or Israel.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil and gas supplies. Iran has effectively restricted movement through the strait and has begun warning vessels against passage, raising fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
Tehran is also exploring the imposition of transit charges on ships using the waterway—an unprecedented move that could further disrupt global trade flows and energy markets.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Paris that Washington believes the conflict could end within weeks and does not require ground troop deployment. However, he acknowledged that there has been no formal response from Iran to a US-proposed framework aimed at ending the war.
While Trump has claimed that peace talks are progressing, Iranian officials maintain that interactions remain limited and indirect, with no substantive negotiations underway.
Adding to the uncertainty, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have warned they could open a new front if the conflict expands further. The group, which had previously targeted shipping routes in the Red Sea, signalled readiness for direct military intervention.
The war has already exacted a heavy toll across the region. Reports indicate over 1,400 civilian deaths in Iran, alongside significant casualties in Lebanon, Israel and Gulf countries. The US has confirmed the deaths of 13 service members so far.
Beyond the battlefield, the conflict is beginning to disrupt global supply chains, including fertiliser markets, raising concerns about food security and inflation in multiple economies.
With attacks intensifying, supply routes under threat, and diplomacy yet to gain traction, the conflict risks evolving into a broader regional crisis with far-reaching economic consequences.