Iran has expanded its military campaign beyond direct confrontations with US forces, launching strikes on two of its own southern islands and targeting infrastructure in Kuwait.
Reports indicate that border posts and an offshore oil platform in Kuwait were hit, marking a significant broadening of the conflict's geographic scope.
The attacks come as Tehran continues to retaliate against recent US military operations in the region.
The escalation introduces new variables for energy markets and shipping logistics.
While the Strait of Hormuz remains the primary chokepoint for global oil flows, the targeting of Kuwaiti infrastructure suggests that the conflict is no longer confined to direct state-on-state engagements or specific maritime corridors.
Investors are now assessing the potential for collateral damage to regional energy assets and the broader stability of Gulf supply chains.