Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss regional escalation as oil prices continue to rise

This live blog follows updates for Day 38 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 37, go here.

• US and Israeli strikes hit Iranian targets as conflict sharply escalates
• Iran launches missiles and drones across the region, targeting Israel and Gulf states
• UAE and Kuwait air defenses actively intercept incoming missiles and drone threats
• US rescues downed airman inside Iran during high-risk military operation
• Oil prices surge as Strait of Hormuz tensions disrupt global energy supplies

Kuwait army says air defenses responding to missile, drone attack

Published: April 6, 2026 | 01:39 GMT | By AFP

Kuwait's army said its air defenses were working to intercept missiles and drones fired towards the Gulf nation's territory.

"Kuwaiti Air Defenses are currently responding to hostile missile and drone threats," the army posted on X.

The country previously said it was responding to similar attacks overnight from Sunday to Monday.

Israel strikes on Lebanon kill at least 15 

Published: April 6, 2026 | 01:13 GMT | By AFP

Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed at least 15 people and wounded 39, Lebanese officials said.

One of Israel's strikes in Beirut Sunday killed at least five people and wounded 52 in the Jnah neighbourhood, according to the Lebanese health ministry, while a strike targeting an apartment building in Ain Saadeh town east of Beirut killed three people and injured three others.

A strike in the southern town of Kfar Hatta, far from the border with Israel, killed seven people including a four-year-old girl, the ministry added.

Iran says dozens of universities, research centers damaged by US-Israeli attacks

Published: April 6, 2026 | 01:01 GMT | By Web Desk

Dozens of universities, schools and research facilities have been damaged by US-Israeli air attacks, an Iranian government spokesperson said, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran’s English-language news channel Press TV quoted Fatemeh Mohajerani as saying that overall, more than 100,000 civilian sites have been affected nationwide since the war began on February 28.

“The enemy cannot tolerate Iran’s achievements,” Press TV quoted Mohajerani as saying.

US-Israeli attack on residential building in Iran’s Qom kills at least 5

Published: April 6, 2026 | 01:00 GMT | By Web Desk

At least five people have been killed in a US-Israeli attack on a residential building in the Iranian city of Qom, a local official said, according to Al Jazeera.

Morteza Heydari, the political and security deputy of the governor of Qom, said rescue efforts are ongoing as teams work to remove the debris following the attack.

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss regional escalation as oil prices continue to rise

Published: April 5, 2026 | 23:36 GMT | By Web Desk/AFP

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and reviewed the latest regional developments, a statement issued by Pakistan's foreign ministry said. 

Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation to ensure peace and stability, and agreed to remain in close contact.

Separately, crude oil prices opened higher with the US benchmark West Texas Intermediate up 1.86% to $113.62 a barrel, as the war in the Middle East continues to squeeze global energy supplies.

North Sea Brent crude was also higher at the week's market opening, climbing 1.16% to $110.30 barrel.