Escalation in the Middle East: Trump and Netanyahu will decide the end of the war as missiles hit Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

The tension in the Middle East reaches unprecedented levels, with the United States, Israel, and their allies intensifying operations against Iran. Donald Trump, the current president of the USA, has announced that the decision on ending the war will be shared with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, amidst missile attacks involving Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Trump: "Iran would have destroyed Israel without us"

In an exclusive interview with The Times of Israel, Donald Trump revealed that the choice of when to end the conflict with Iran will be made jointly with Benjamin Netanyahu. The president emphasized the crucial role of his administration and Israel in preventing a catastrophe: "Iran would have destroyed Israel and everything around it. We worked together and destroyed a country that wanted to destroy Israel". These words, spoken with firm tones, underline a strategic partnership between Washington and Jerusalem, forged in the last months of escalation.

Trump painted an apocalyptic scenario avoided thanks to American-Israeli intervention, recalling how Iran, with its nuclear program and proxy militias, represented an existential threat. The statement comes as coalition forces continue to strike Iranian targets, with Tehran responding with raids on Gulf neighbors.

Pete Hegseth: "It's just the beginning" for the Anti-Iran operation

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fueled speculation about a prolonged campaign. In an interview with CBS, he described the operation against Iran as "just the beginning", assuring that Trump will dictate the terms of Tehran's surrender. "There are other Iranian ships to take down", he added, signaling further military phases that could involve the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf.

Hegseth, appointed by Trump for his loyalty and military background, outlined a picture of American superiority, with aircraft carriers and drones dominating the skies. This rhetoric reinforces the narrative of an imminent victory but raises questions about broader regional involvement, including Yemen and Syria.

Kuwait under attack: tenth day of Iranian missiles and drones

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense has confirmed a new assault overnight, with missiles and drones directed at the emirate. According to AFP, citing the Kuna agency, "Kuwaiti air defenses are currently facing missile and enemy drone attacks." This marks the tenth day of open war between Iran, Israel, and the United States, with Kuwait – neutral but strategically vital – being targeted for its position.

Last Sunday, the emirate had intercepted seven missiles and five drones, avoiding civilian casualties but highlighting the vulnerability of the Gulf. These attacks, attributed to Tehran, aim to discourage U.S. logistical support in the region, complicating global oil routes.

U.S. evacuates embassy in Saudi Arabia: fear of Iranian reprisals

In response to the escalation, the U.S. State Department has ordered the evacuation of non-essential personnel from the embassy in Saudi Arabia. The advisory, reported by AFP, cites "security risks" related to Iranian attacks. Family members and government employees not involved in emergencies must leave Riyadh immediately, while military personnel remain on alert.

This move reflects concerns over asymmetric retaliation: drones, cyberattacks, or Shiite proxies could target Sunni allies such as the Saudis. Saudi Arabia, already a theater of tensions with Iran, hosts U.S. bases crucial for anti-Tehran operations.

Economic and geopolitical impacts: the Gulf in turmoil

The war is disrupting global energy markets. Brent crude oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, with risks of closure of the Strait of Hormuz – through which 20% of the world's crude oil passes. Europe, dependent on imports, faces skyrocketing bills, while Italy sees immediate fuel price increases.

Geopolitically, the U.S.-Israel coalition is strengthening, but China and Russia condemn the "aggression." Netanyahu, under internal pressure, uses the conflict to consolidate power, while Trump aims for a "deal of the century" that redraws the Middle East.