Iran Strikes US Military Base in Kuwait and Liberian-Flagged Ship in Strait of Hormuz Without US Response

For the first time since the escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran, the US military did not respond to two attacks occurring within hours in the Strait of Hormuz and at a US base in Kuwait. On Tuesday, the Liberian-flagged tanker Minoan Pioneer was hit by an unidentified projectile about 37 kilometers northeast of Al-Khasab, Oman, causing a total power outage and a large fire in the crew quarters. The crew abandoned the ship, and the third engineer is currently missing. British and Omani maritime security authorities have launched an investigation.

Separately, overnight, Iran's Revolutionary Guards attacked a US military base in Kuwait using three unmanned aerial vehicles. Simultaneously, loud explosions were reported in Basra province near the Iraq border, with local reports indicating a fire in the area. Despite these attacks, the US refrained from any military response, marking a significant shift in its approach. This comes shortly after US President Donald Trump stated that diplomatic contacts had begun and planned strikes were canceled.

Iran confirmed ongoing talks but clarified they are with Oman, focusing on establishing a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also emphasized that the strait would remain closed until the US lifts its sanctions. The lack of US retaliation raises questions about the nature of the diplomatic engagements described by Trump and the future of US-Iran relations in the region.