US-Israel war on Iran: Gulf states condemn Israeli strikes on Lebanese army; Latest updates

US grants visas to Iranian players but denies entry to team officials ahead of World Cup

All players in Iran’s national football team received US visas, but several team officials and companions have been unable to obtain them, according to Tasnim News Agency. Those denied visas include the team manager, the football federation’s secretary general, the national team’s executive and media directors, an analyst, and representatives from Iran’s foreign ministry, security services, and international committee.

The team is set to travel from Antalya, Turkey to Tijuana, Mexico, where it will be based, with efforts to secure the remaining visas ongoing. Iran opens the 2026 FIFA World Cup against New Zealand on June 15, before facing Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26.

Kuwait reopens airspace after two-hour closure following Iranian drone and missile attacks

Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace from 4:15 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. as a precautionary measure following Iranian drone and missile attacks on the country.

Eleven Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways flights were diverted to nearby airports during the closure, with diverted flights later returning to Kuwait International Airport after authorities confirmed the situation had stabilized and the threat had passed.

Qatar condemns Israeli strike on Lebanese army patrol as dangerous escalation

Qatar condemned the Israeli attack on a Lebanese military patrol on the Khardali-Nabatieh road that killed two officers and a soldier, calling it a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law.

The foreign ministry urged the international community to compel Israel to halt its repeated attacks on Lebanon and fully implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Qatar reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and extended condolences to the victims’ families.

Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Israeli strikes on Lebanese army

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry issued its strongest condemnation of continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon, rejecting any targeting of Lebanese sovereignty and its armed forces.

The Kingdom extended condolences to the families of the fallen Lebanese army personnel, including officers killed while on duty, and expressed solidarity with Lebanon against all threats to its security and stability.

Bahrain reaffirms support for Lebanese sovereignty and state authority

Bahrain expressed backing for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, rejecting external interference in its internal affairs.

The foreign ministry also voiced support for President Joseph Aoun’s efforts to strengthen state institutions, consolidate constitutional authority, and ensure that weapons remain exclusively under state control in line with the Taif Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

Kuwait condemns Israeli strike on Lebanese army patrol

Kuwait’s foreign ministry condemned an Israeli attack on a Lebanese military patrol that resulted in casualties, calling it a blatant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international law.

Iran’s foreign minister hits back at Lebanese president over bargaining chip claim

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back against Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, sarcastically suggesting that based on Aoun’s remarks, one might think it was Iran – not Israel – occupying Lebanese territory, displacing its population, and carrying out daily strikes.

He dismissed the notion that Iran was using Lebanon as leverage, arguing a deal would have been reached long ago if that were the case, and urged the Lebanese president to focus on what he called Lebanon’s real enemy.

Iran condemns Israeli strike that killed three Lebanese army personnel

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman condemned an Israeli airstrike on a Lebanese military vehicle on the Khardali road that killed Brigadier General Wassim Sabra, Captain Elie Khoury, and soldier Hassan Ghazal.

He said the repeated targeting of Lebanese army members showed Israel made no distinction between soldiers, fighters, and civilians, and accused Israel of having no interest in Lebanon’s security or stability. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and the Lebanese military.

US forces shoot down two more Iranian drones over Strait of Hormuz

US forces intercepted two additional Iranian attack drones threatening maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, with American forces saying they remain ready to continue defending against further Iranian aggression.

Al Habtoor questions who truly benefits from Iran’s Hormuz threats

Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor argued that disrupting navigation through the Strait of Hormuz harms virtually everyone – Gulf states, Iran, and global trade alike – and raised the question of who actually stands to gain.

He suggested the real beneficiaries may be outside powers that profit from sustained regional tensions, higher energy prices, and a Middle East locked in perpetual crisis rather than development.

Al Habtoor called for wisdom and cooperation over escalation, framing the security of maritime passages as a shared international responsibility rather than a regional one alone.