Kuwait, 08 March (H.S.): Iran's relentless drone and missile barrages targeted critical infrastructure across the Gulf on Sunday, prompting Kuwait to slash crude production and Saudi Arabia to intercept 15 hostile drones, amid vows from Tehran to persist despite its president's recent pledge against neighborly attacks.

Kuwait's national oil company announced a precautionary reduction in output after its military repelled a wave of drones breaching national airspace, describing the assault as a direct hit on vital facilities. Civilian sites suffered minor damage from falling debris during interceptions, while Qatar reported fending off 10 ballistic and two cruise missiles from Iran the previous day, with most neutralized and no casualties recorded.

In Saudi Arabia, defenses destroyed three ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base—home to U.S. troops—and 17 drones over the Shaybah oil field, including attempts near Riyadh's diplomatic quarter. UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared the nation in a period of war during a rare address, noting 221 missiles and over 1,300 drones detected since hostilities erupted on February 28; Dubai's airport briefly shut amid explosions, with a Pakistani driver killed by debris.

Strategic Shifts Amid Trump's Oil WaiverThe attacks coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump's push to ease global oil pressures, including a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy stranded Russian crude—framed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as a stopgap to counter Iran's bid to hold energy markets hostage. India, heavily reliant on Strait of Hormuz routes now choked by conflict, dismissed dependency claims, stating it never sought permissions for such purchases.

Experts view the waiver as Trump's bid to cap price spikes ahead of U.S. midterms, potentially boosting Russian imports to 1.6-2 million barrels per day for India despite premiums eroding prior discounts. Brent crude has surged 16% weekly, threatening India's import bill by billions per $10/barrel rise.

Broader Fallout: Lebanon, Bahrain Reel

Lebanon reported 12 dead from Israeli strikes on Iran-backed targets in Beirut and 20 villages, as Bahrain tallied 92 missiles and 151 drones intercepted since the Iranian aggression began. Iran's judiciary chief defied President Masoud Pezeshkian's Saturday assurance of restraint, vowing continued strikes on Gulf enemy sites.

Trump's rhetoric intensified, labeling Iran loser of the Middle East and blaming it for regional chaos, while warning of major retaliation. The multi-front escalation risks deeper U.S.-Israel involvement, with Gulf allies bolstering defenses amid fears of sustained supply disruptions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar