Kuwait said on Thursday that it was targeted by a missile and drone attack, marking a new escalation in regional tensions as the fragile ceasefire linked to the Iran conflict continues to face repeated challenges.
According to Kuwait’s military, the country came under attack but no further details were immediately provided regarding the intended targets or the extent of any damage. Hours later, Iran announced that it had launched an operation in the region, although it did not specify what was struck.
Kuwait, a key ally of the United States, has previously been targeted during periods of heightened conflict involving Iran and Iran-backed Shiite militias operating in Iraq.
The incident comes at a time of growing instability across the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that negotiations with Tehran could lead to an end to the ongoing war, though diplomatic talks remain uncertain.
Key points in the negotiations reportedly include the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass. Washington is pushing for its reopening, while also seeking limits on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Iran, in turn, is demanding the lifting of economic sanctions and access to frozen assets to support its struggling economy.
Tensions have continued despite ceasefire efforts. Earlier this week, the United States carried out what it described as “defensive” strikes targeting missile launch sites and minelaying boats in southern Iran. Additional drone interceptions and strikes on a ground control station near Bandar Abbas were also reported.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) later acknowledged an attack near Bandar Abbas International Airport and said it had launched retaliatory strikes against the air base involved, though it did not provide further details.
It remains unclear whether the retaliatory action referred to by Iran is connected to the incident reported by Kuwait.
The situation continues to raise concerns about wider regional escalation as diplomatic efforts remain ongoing.
