Middle East and the Gulf – Updating (RFE RL)

(RFE RL) US President Donald ‌Trump said it is “too late” for talks with Iran after Tehran made a bid to hold discussions amid the US-Israeli military operation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the US decision to strike Iranian targets, describing the attacks as a preemptive move to protect American forces from what he called an “imminent threat,” and warning that “the hardest hits are yet to come.”. Saudi Arabia partially suspended operations at the massive Ras Tanura refinery following an attack that caused a fire at the facility. US military officials said three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait after being hit by friendly fire from Kuwaiti air defenses. – Iran Denies Drone Attack On Omani Port