Politics

Kuwait condemns Iranian missile and drone attacks

Yesterday 13:39

By: Dakir Madiha

Zoom

Kuwait's Cabinet issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday of what it described as repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwaiti territory. The government called the incidents dangerous provocations and reaffirmed Kuwait's right to defend its sovereignty and protect its population and critical infrastructure.

The statement followed two separate security incidents within a matter of days. The first occurred on May 29, when Kuwaiti air defenses responded to missile and drone activity after United States operations against Iranian drones. The second took place on June 1, when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missiles aimed at American forces stationed in Kuwait, significantly raising tensions across the Gulf region.

Kuwait's military said its air defense systems intercepted hostile missiles and drones early Monday. The United States Central Command confirmed that two Iranian ballistic missiles targeting American personnel in Kuwait were intercepted at approximately 7:00 a.m. Gulf Standard Time. According to U.S. officials, no American personnel were injured during the attack.

The Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the missile strike and said it was retaliation for U.S. attacks on Iranian command and control facilities in Goruk and on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz during the previous weekend. The incident disrupted civilian aviation operations, forcing several aircraft to divert from Kuwait International Airport and prompting heightened security measures across the country.

Kuwait's Foreign Ministry described the attacks as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the country's security and stability. Officials stated that the strikes violated international law and endangered civilians as well as strategic infrastructure. The government stressed that maintaining regional stability requires respect for national sovereignty and restraint from actions that could widen the conflict.

Regional governments quickly voiced support for Kuwait. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the attacks, while the Arab Parliament also denounced the missile launches. Qatar issued a statement strongly criticizing the repeated attacks against Kuwait and expressed support for efforts aimed at preserving security in the Gulf.

Diplomatic contacts continued alongside the security response. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah held a telephone conversation with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During the discussion, both sides welcomed Pakistan's mediation efforts in U.S.-Iran negotiations and expressed hope that diplomatic initiatives could help achieve a positive outcome and support long-term regional peace.

The attacks underscore how the confrontation between the United States and Iran has expanded beyond direct battlegrounds to affect Gulf states hosting American military facilities. Kuwait hosts U.S. forces at several locations, including Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base. The country was already on heightened alert after authorities referred suspected members of the Revolutionary Guards to court over an alleged armed infiltration attempt on Bubiyan Island.