The U.S.–Iran shadow war has exploded into a new phase. After Washington confirmed that Iran shot down an MQ‑1 drone, U.S. Central Command launched what it called “self‑defense” strikes. As CENTCOM confirmed its attack, a U.S. ally in the Gulf — Kuwait — suddenly found itself under a barrage of hostile missiles and drones. Is Trump's bid to score a military win, once more putting US allies in harm's way?