TEHRAN—Iran delivered a forceful admonition to regional neighbors and global powers on Sunday, cautioning against involvement in its ongoing military confrontation with the United States and Israel. The warning coincided with reports of a drone strike targeting a Kuwaiti airbase hosting American and Italian military personnel, highlighting the expanding regional dimensions of the conflict.
Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi utilized social media platform X to articulate Tehran’s position, asserting that U.S. military presence in the region served as an invitation for conflict rather than deterrence. “We urge neighboring nations to expel foreign aggressors,” Araghchi declared, emphasizing that Iran possessed “substantial evidence” regarding the use of regional bases for attacks against Iranian interests.
The diplomatic offensive followed President Donald Trump’s appeal for international collaboration to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint whose closure has triggered global energy market disruptions. Araghchi specified that hostilities would cease only when Iran received guarantees against future attacks and appropriate reparations.
Regional military engagements intensified as Italian authorities confirmed a drone attack destroyed unmanned aircraft at Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem airbase, while rocket fire wounded five individuals at Baghdad International Airport. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani characterized the incident as non-representative of broader hostilities, stating “We are not at war with anyone.”
Global energy markets continue experiencing significant volatility, with oil prices surging approximately 40% since Iran initiated restrictions on Hormuz transit. The International Energy Agency announced immediate stock releases from Asian-Oceanic reserves, with American and European reserves to follow in subsequent weeks.
International responses to Trump’s naval coalition proposal remained measured. British officials discussed “options to ensure shipping security” while emphasizing de-escalation priorities. Japanese and South Korean representatives similarly expressed caution regarding military deployment commitments.
Despite sustained military operations—with Pentagon reports indicating over 15,000 targets struck and Iranian authorities claiming 1,200 casualties—Tehran exhibited signs of normalization. Commercial activity resumed in many districts ahead of Nowruz celebrations, though banking operations and internet connectivity experienced ongoing disruptions.