Middle east tensions escalate as fresh bombings reported in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait

Fresh attacks, reportedly launched from Iran, have been recorded in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, while Turkey says “Nato defences” intercepted an Iranian missile.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom confirmed arrangements for a repatriation flight from Oman.

During a press briefing, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was questioned by the BBC’s State Department correspondent about the reported bombing of a girls’ school in Minab, which Iranian authorities claim killed at least 153 people, including many children.

“All I can say is that we’re investigating that. We of course never target civilian targets, but we’re taking a look and investigating that,” Hegseth said.

Pressed further on whose munition struck the school, he repeated that the matter was under investigation.

Hegseth praised Israel’s military campaign, describing its operations as being carried out with “unmatched skill and iron determination,” and called fighting alongside Israel a “breath of fresh air.”

He characterised the offensive as “bold action” by President Trump aimed at putting ‘America first,’ adding: “Four days in, we have just begun the fight.”

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also said a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean using a torpedo, marking a significant escalation in the widening conflict.

He did not name the vessel, but the Sri Lankan navy earlier reported that about 140 people were missing after an Iranian ship, the Iris Dena, sank off the coast of Galle.

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