News Summary at 1:54 p.m. EDT

The 1:54 p.m. EDT news brief again tracks a Gulf flare-up and related actions. Iran fired ballistic missiles and drones toward Bahrain and Kuwait, with the U.S. intercepting several missiles; Bahrain urged Tehran to stop the escalation, while Iran claimed it targeted U.S. forces and accused Washington of attacking surveillance facilities on Qeshm Island. The U.S. reported no personnel harmed. Israel conducted strikes in southern Lebanon that killed nine people, including three Lebanese military officers, days after a ceasefire. In the West Bank, Israeli troops killed a 7-month-old baby; a Gaza strike killed seven. Ukraine attacked St. Petersburg with drones; Russia said it shot down 376 drones, and Zelenskyy sought direct talks while Putin declined a meeting. Pope Leo XIV urged Spain to halt polarization on his first papal visit in 15 years.