Ukraine has struck Iranian-linked ships in the Caspian Sea, tangling two separate wars together and putting Kiev in Iran's crosshairs — a dangerous escalation, but one that may finally win Ukraine favor in Washington.

• Ukrainian drones hit cargo ships and a Russian missile boat carrying Iranian weapons headed to Russia, and Iran is furious and threatening to strike back.
• Iran has been shipping Russia cheap Shahed attack drones, artillery shells, and ammunition for years, so Kiev now treats Iran as part of Russia's war.
• Iranian hardliners are openly calling for missile strikes on Kiev; Ukraine says it would hit back hard with its long-range drones.
• The bigger prize: Ukraine's world-leading skill at cheaply shooting down drones, which the US and Gulf states badly want after months of Iranian barrages.
• Zelensky meets Trump today in a far stronger spot than their last blowup, with a drone co-production deal and intelligence on Russia helping Iran target US forces.

Outlook: Expect a tense few days as Iran weighs retaliation, with Ukraine likely to walk away from Washington a newly valued ally.