Iran launched attacks on Kuwait on Thursday, continuing its retaliation following U.S. bombardments of Iranian targets earlier this week.

Here is a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East:

Iran targets Kuwait
Air raid sirens sounded across Kuwait early Thursday as the country's air defense systems intercepted Iranian missiles and drones, Kuwait's Ministry of Defense said.

The ministry described the attacks as a “blatant Iranian aggression.”

The latest attack came a day after Bahrain and Jordan, both U.S. allies, said their air defense systems had intercepted several Iranian aerial attacks.

Fighting between the United States and Iran has intensified this week after U.S. forces struck Iranian rocket launchers on an island in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. Washington said Iran was preparing to use the launchers to fire mines into the strategic waterway.

Netanyahu seeks to unite Israel's right wing before election
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to unite right-wing parties ahead of the country's Oct. 27 election.

Several small parties that support Netanyahu are competing separately in the election. However, instead of strengthening his position, the division could weaken his chances of remaining in power by splitting votes among his supporters.

The parties include hard-line groups led by controversial Cabinet ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

Netanyahu has urged his former allies to join larger political blocs that would have a better chance of winning seats in parliament.

The upcoming election is widely seen as a major test of Netanyahu's political future and his handling of a turbulent period in Israel.

His nearly uninterrupted 17 years in power have included mass protests, Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack and nearly three years of war.

A victory could mark a major political comeback for Netanyahu, while defeat could bring an end to the long political career of one of Israel's most influential leaders.