President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that U.S. military operations against Iran could wrap up within two to three weeks, while declaring that other nations must take over security responsibilities for the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. The White House has scheduled a prime-time presidential address for Wednesday evening regarding the ongoing conflict.
During remarks to reporters, Trump voiced his displeasure with international partners who have failed to provide adequate support for American military efforts, bluntly advising them to “go get your own oil.” The president has recently alternated between highlighting potential diplomatic progress with Iran and threatening to expand military operations.
Trump stated that America “will not have anything to do with” future developments in the strategically important waterway, which Iran has blocked. He emphasized that nations dependent on the strait for commerce must assume responsibility for maintaining its accessibility. The passage serves as a crucial route for Gulf nations’ trade and handles approximately 20 percent of global oil shipments.
Fuel costs across the United States surpassed $4 per gallon on Tuesday, marking the highest average since 2022 as the Iranian conflict continues driving worldwide energy prices upward. Economic experts predict these elevated fuel expenses will impact grocery prices as businesses face increased transportation and packaging expenses.
Israeli defense forces issued a public warning Wednesday morning about an incoming missile from Yemen, representing another assault by Houthi rebels who recently joined the conflict supporting Iran. Emergency sirens activated throughout southern Israel, spanning from Beersheba to coastal Mediterranean areas.
The early morning alert ended a significant quiet period, with more than 19 hours passing since Israel’s last missile warning from Iran, and over six hours since northern Israeli alarms, which have faced continuous attacks from Lebanese Hezbollah forces in recent days.
Iranian forces and allied groups conducted a drone strike against Kuwait International Airport, targeting a fuel storage tank and igniting a blaze, according to official reports. The state-operated KUNA news service reported the Wednesday morning attack created a “large fire” at the aviation facility.
Airport authorities confirmed no immediate casualties from the assault while firefighting crews worked to contain the flames. Kuwait’s main airport has previously suffered Iranian attacks during the current conflict, with KUNA suggesting Iranian-backed Iraqi militias may have executed the strike with Tehran’s backing.
Bahrain reported early Wednesday that emergency responders were battling a fire at a commercial facility following an Iranian attack on the island nation.
Israeli forces announced they destroyed a facility early Wednesday that allegedly supplied Iran’s government with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid reportedly intended for chemical weapons development. Iran confirmed the strike on the Tofigh Daru manufacturing plant but maintained the facility only produced “hospital drugs” for medical procedures.
Both Israeli and Iranian officials confirmed the Tuesday attack occurred. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared an image of the damaged Tehran factory on social media platform X, writing: “The war criminals in Israel are now openly and unashamedly bombing pharmaceutical companies.”
Medical facilities commonly utilize fentanyl for treating intense pain, though minimal quantities can prove lethal. Israeli and American intelligence agencies have previously warned that Iran was developing fentanyl-based weapons, with the U.S. citing Iranian academic studies examining Russia’s suspected use of fentanyl compounds during the 2002 Moscow theater hostage crisis involving Chechen separatists.
Israeli intelligence claimed Tofigh Daru provided fentanyl supplies to a Tehran advanced research facility known as SPND. American officials allege SPND conducts research and testing that could support nuclear weapon development and other military applications.
The United Arab Emirates has implemented a ban preventing Iranian citizens from entering or traveling through the country as hostilities continue, three major airlines announced Wednesday. International carriers Emirates and Etihad, along with budget airline FlyDubai, posted the restrictions on their official websites.
While entry regulations in the authoritarian UAE federation of seven emirates can lack transparency, all three airlines confirmed the coordinated directive. The policy allows holders of 10-year Golden Visa residency permits to maintain entry privileges.
UAE officials have not provided public statements regarding the travel ban. Dubai has already ordered the closure of the Iranian Hospital and Iranian Club, both institutions established during the era of the Iranian shah.
