The flames of war are spreading rapidly across the Middle East. Despite ongoing peace talks between the United States and Iran, military clashes continue to intensify. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had launched a retaliatory strike on a US airbase that it claims was previously used to attack Iranian targets. At the same time, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon — even during the holy occasion of Eid al-Adha.
On May 27, the US military carried out fresh strikes on an Iranian military facility near the Strait of Hormuz and reportedly destroyed several drones. American officials stated that the target was considered a potential threat to US forces and commercial shipping in the strategic waterway, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply once passed. Iranian state media confirmed that US forces struck near the port city of Bandar Abbas but claimed there were no casualties or significant damage.
The IRGC later announced that it had attacked a “US airbase” at approximately 4:50 a.m. local time (01:20 GMT) and warned that stronger retaliation would follow if American “aggression” continued.
The renewed tensions triggered declines in Asian stock markets, with major indexes in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Australia opening lower. Oil prices surged, with Brent crude rising above $95 per barrel and US oil futures climbing above $91. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked, leaving nearly 20,000 sailors stranded aboard hundreds of ships. Before the conflict, around 125 to 140 vessels passed through the strait daily.
Kuwait’s military announced that its air defense systems had intercepted “hostile” missiles and drones, though officials did not specify where the attack originated. This marks the latest in a series of incidents involving Kuwait during the broader regional conflict.
Meanwhile, divisions remain deep in US-Iran peace negotiations. President Donald Trump has clearly stated that sanctions on Iran will not be lifted under any agreement. Although Iran’s delegation reportedly described recent discussions in Doha as “generally positive,” major disagreements remain unresolved. Trump also warned that Iran would not be able to “play for time” in negotiations.
In Gaza, the suffering of civilians continues even during Eid al-Adha. Gaza resident Walaa Baroud held up what she described as her last family photograph — of the 22 family members pictured, only nine remain alive, while 13 have reportedly been killed in successive Israeli strikes. More than 80 members of her extended family are said to have died during the conflict.
On Eid night, at least six people were killed and 20 others injured after an Israeli strike hit a residential building in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighborhood. The Israeli military claimed the attack killed Mohammed Odeh, a military commander of Hamas’s Qassam Brigades.
Palestinian resident Nadia Abu Shamala said she visited the Eid market only to look around because she could not afford to buy sacrificial animals. “I ask the prices and return home heartbroken,” she said.
Israel also ordered the entire population of the ancient Lebanese port city of Tyre to move north of the Zahrani River, approximately 40 kilometers from the Israeli border. Within two hours of the warning, airstrikes reportedly began across the city. On Eid day, Israeli attacks targeted multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including Choukin, Meifadoun, Yahmar al-Shaqif, Kfartibnit, Hanniya, Sarifa, Barish, Touline, Zawtar al-Gharbiya, and Deir Qanoun al-Nahr.
Since early March, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have reportedly killed at least 3,213 people and injured 9,737 others.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, speaking to journalists after Eid prayers, described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “tyrant” and warned that Muslims around the world would eventually respond.
According to the report, the broader conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel jointly launched attacks on Iran and allegedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran began launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes on US bases and allied targets across the Middle East.
The war has severely disrupted global trade and international air travel. Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, daily military strikes continue to undermine hopes for peace, while ordinary civilians — including children and families — continue to bear the devastating human cost of the conflict.
