Cambodia Monitors Middle East Tensions Amidst Iran-US Escalation

Cambodia is closely observing the escalating military tensions between Iran and the United States in the Middle East. According to reports from the Khmer-language media outlet Koh Santepheap Khmer, Iran has continued its retaliatory attacks on US allies and Jordan following a seven-night consecutive assault by the US. Reports indicate that the Iranian military has been intermittently attacking Kuwait, with even a water purification plant reportedly suffering damage. Kuwait International Airport temporarily suspended operations due to threats from Iranian missiles and drones. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that they had attacked Camp Arifjan, a US military support base, and destroyed radar facilities at Ali Al Salem Air Base. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation stated that one of its oil storage facilities sustained repeated missile attacks from Iran, resulting in significant damage and some injuries. The Kuwaiti army announced that they had intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones entering their airspace. Firefighters and oil workers were reportedly injured while intervening in a fire. Iran's attacks are presented as a response to US strikes on its bridges, power plants, and other infrastructure. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that since no international body could prevent the "cruel actions" of the US military, they had no choice but to act according to the Quran, emphasizing the principle of retaliation. They also warned Persian Gulf countries to prepare for further attacks. Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked a location in Bahrain, a base for US fighter jets at Sheikh Isa Air Base, and also a "spy data collection center." Furthermore, they claimed to have destroyed two US fighter jets and three conventional aircraft using ballistic missiles fired at Al Azraq base in Jordan. Amidst this heightened tension, crude oil prices surged by over 4%, reaching their highest point in a month. This development could exert additional pressure on President Trump and the Republican Party as they face congressional elections in November. Iranian media reported that the US attacked Hormozgan province along the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in three deaths, eight injuries, and damage to two bridges and one underpass. The previous day, US strikes reportedly hit at least five bridges in southern Iran, causing seven fatalities. Cambodia is monitoring the indirect impacts of these Middle East developments on its economy, particularly its tourism and foreign investment sectors. While maintaining close ties with China, the nation is expected to carefully observe international developments and continue diplomatic efforts to minimize any adverse effects on its stability and economic growth.