Gulf conflict escalates as drone strikes hit Kuwait airport, oil surges past $124

The intensifying West Asia conflict entered its 29th day on March 28 with fresh drone strikes, rising casualties, and mounting economic fallout, including oil prices soaring well beyond $100 per barrel.

In a major escalation, Kuwait International Airport suffered “significant damage” after multiple drone strikes hit its radar systems. While no casualties were reported, authorities confirmed substantial material losses and activated emergency protocols to manage the disruption.

Civilian injuries spread across region

The ripple effects of the conflict were felt across the Gulf. In southern Oman’s Dhofar province, a drone strike on Salalah Port injured a port worker. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, at least five Indian nationals sustained minor to moderate injuries after debris from a successfully intercepted ballistic missile fell near the Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD). Officials confirmed a fire broke out following the interception, with emergency services responding swiftly.

In Saudi Arabia, an Iranian attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base left at least 12 US service members injured. Two suffered non-life-threatening shrapnel wounds, while others were treated for unspecified injuries. No fatalities were reported.

Trump: War ‘not yet finished’

US President Donald Trump, speaking at the Future Investment Initiative summit in Miami Beach, made it clear the conflict is far from winding down. “The war is not yet finished,” he said, adding that “another 3,554 targets” remain in Iran. “That’ll be done pretty quickly.”

In a lighter moment that drew attention, Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the “Strait of Trump” before correcting himself, joking about potential media coverage of the slip.

He also criticized European NATO allies for failing to support the US, warning that Washington could reconsider its spending commitments to the alliance.

Diplomatic efforts and military buildup

Amid the escalating violence, diplomatic channels remain active. Pakistan is set to host high-level talks from Sunday, bringing together foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan to explore ways to de-escalate tensions.

Separately, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on strengthening defence and security cooperation.

On the military front, the US is reportedly preparing to deploy the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush to the Central Command region, adding to an already significant naval presence in the Middle East.

Humanitarian concerns deepen

The United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, warned that Israel’s ongoing offensive in Lebanon has trapped children in a “relentless cycle of bombardment and displacement,” severely disrupting access to education for hundreds of thousands.

Oil prices spike amid uncertainty

The conflict is also sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices across OPEC nations continue to climb sharply, with Kuwait Oil Blend surging past $124 per barrel and Arab Light trading above $105 per barrel, reflecting deepening concerns over supply disruptions in the region.