Bahrain reported that Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones toward its territory and Kuwait shortly after the United States and Iran traded strikes across the Gulf region, marking another escalation that risks undermining the delicate truce.

Air raid sirens sounded across Bahrain on Saturday, prompting residents to seek shelter and await updates. Kuwaiti forces reported intercepting incoming drones and missiles aimed at the nation.

Kuwait's foreign ministry denounced the assaults as a serious escalation and clear breach of sovereignty, reserving the right to protect its borders.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps indicated it was striking the Ali al-Salem airbase in Bahrain, home to the US navy's 5th fleet, as reported by Iranian outlets.

The assaults followed US claims of downing four Iranian drones near the strait of Hormuz and hitting Iranian coastal radar sites in retaliation. Iran responded by targeting US positions in the area, triggering alerts in both Kuwait and Bahrain.

This exchange represents the latest round of mutual strikes that have tested the shaky ceasefire in the conflict and hindered progress toward extending the truce. Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran to secure a lasting peace have continued without resolution, prolonging regional turmoil and disrupting worldwide economic stability.

The World Food Programme noted that millions face increased hunger risks from the ripple effects of the Iran conflict, driven mainly by rising energy and food costs.

US central command stated early Saturday that Iranian drones threatened maritime traffic in the region, while radar strikes aimed to prevent additional threats. American forces maintain a blockade on Iranian ports amid Tehran's restrictions on the strait, a key route for oil and gas exports that has driven up energy prices.

Subsequently, the IRGC announced strikes on enemy bases in the Gulf following US actions at Sirik and Qeshm Island.

Centcom reported seven ballistic missiles fired toward Kuwait and Bahrain, with six intercepted and one falling short. No harm to US personnel was noted, and claims of damage to the 5th fleet headquarters were dismissed as inaccurate.

On Friday, Donald Trump remarked to reporters that the situation with Iran appeared to be progressing favorably.

Speaking at a Wisconsin event with farmers, Trump stated the US would exit the Iran matter swiftly and decisively, either through agreement or firmer measures, predicting lower fertilizer prices similar to levels four months prior.

Trump faces pressure to resolve the conflict, which has unsettled markets and drawn domestic criticism ahead of midterm elections. Negotiators from both sides have spent weeks attempting to prolong the ceasefire by 60 days and initiate fresh nuclear discussions, though demands for revisions persist without compromise.

When questioned on Friday about delays, Trump told NBC the process proved challenging for Iran due to its strong sense of independence.

He noted certain unexpected steps Iran must take, emphasizing limited options and the time required, during the interview.

Trump also stated Iran retained over 20 percent of its missiles, exceeding his prior estimate of 18 percent last month, despite frequent assertions of having eliminated Iran's war capabilities.

In comments to NBC News, Trump indicated remaining capacity including missiles and drones at roughly 21 to 22 percent.

His administration highlighted a recent ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel following US-mediated talks in Washington, even as Iranian-backed Hezbollah rejected it and fresh attacks occurred from both sides.

Israeli airstrikes killed nine in Lebanon on Saturday, including three Lebanese army soldiers. President Joseph Aoun labeled the army strike a clear violation of sovereignty and international law.

The Israeli military described the vehicle as moving suspiciously near its troops in a Hezbollah area and committed to reviewing the event. Israel has targeted several Lebanese soldiers and security personnel despite the state not participating in the Hezbollah conflict.

Lebanon fighting, with Israeli forces controlling southern areas, also jeopardizes efforts to conclude the Iran war and reopen the strait of Hormuz, as Iran insists any permanent truce include Lebanon.

On Friday, Aoun accused Iran of opposing the ceasefire and using Lebanon for its conflicts as leverage in talks.

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi countered on Saturday that it seemed Iran had occupied part of Lebanon and conducted daily bombings, urging focus on the true adversary.

He added that if Lebanon served as an Iranian bargaining tool, an agreement would exist already, in a post on X.

With the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse