United States Central Command said on Friday that Iran fired seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, intensifying regional tensions that have already disrupted global shipping and energy markets. The U.S. military reported that U.S.-led defense systems intercepted six of the missiles, while the seventh did not reach its intended target. The launch came after U.S. forces intercepted and neutralized four one-way attack drones earlier in the same period of hostilities. CENTCOM said there were no reported injuries to U.S. personnel from either the missile launches or the drone activity. Global energy markets reacted to the continued instability by focusing on potential disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for oil and gas shipments. Analysts noted that any prolonged interruption of traffic through this chokepoint could tighten supply flows and amplify existing pressures on international energy prices. Higher fuel costs are already weighing on transport and logistics sectors, and the U.S. military statement underscored that sustained regional hostilities are adding to concerns about supply chain reliability and the broader cost impacts for economies dependent on secure energy routes.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.