Iran strikes Qatar and Saudi energy sites as US jets shot down by Kuwaiti 'friendly fire'

Main Idea: The United States says its strikes on Iran have hit nearly 2,000 targets, as Iran retaliates across the region and President Donald Trump claims the attacks have “knocked out” key Iranian sites.

Key Points:

• US forces say their military operation in Iran has been far larger than the Iraq invasion’s early air campaign in 2003.
• Iran’s retaliation has led to missile and drone threats across the Middle East, including alarms in Israel and intercepted attacks in Saudi Arabia.
• Gulf states are tightening defenses and moving to protect residents, while the UK and France are sending extra air defense support to Cyprus.
• The conflict is disrupting markets, raising oil prices, and forcing countries to organize evacuation and repatriation flights for citizens.