Middle East tensions escalate as Gulf nations intercept Iranian strikes

Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain intercepted Iranian missiles and drones directed at their territories, marking a further spread of regional hostilities targeting U.S. allies. The interceptions occurred alongside a thirteenth consecutive night of U.S. strikes against Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz region. Meanwhile, Houthi forces launched fresh attacks near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, forcing commercial vessels to turn back and heightening risks for Europe-Asia shipping routes.

In Eastern Europe, a Romanian F-16 jet shot down an unauthorized drone that entered NATO airspace, according to Romanian President Nicusor Dan. Separately, World Bank estimates indicate that two earthquakes in Venezuela caused over €17 billion in damages, with approximately 50,000 people still unaccounted for a month after the disaster.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix