Kuwait Faces Most Iranian Attacks Amid US-Iran Hormuz Strait Tensions

Since the current round of conflict between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz began, Kuwait has become the primary target of Iranian attacks in the Gulf region. Unlike other countries, Kuwait has suffered damage not only to military bases with American presence but also to civilian infrastructure such as power plants, water desalination facilities, and oil installations. A Kuwaiti official close to the government told Kan News that Kuwait believes it is targeted because it has refused to engage in back-channel talks with Iran's Revolutionary Guards and rejected some of their demands.

The official also revealed that Kuwait did not yield to Iranian pressure to release Revolutionary Guards officers caught infiltrating by sea in May to carry out terrorist activities. This defiance has led to increased Iranian attacks on Kuwait. Additional factors include Kuwait's geographic proximity to Iran and its proxies in Iraq, its lack of a strong regional ally during the conflict, and Iran's interest in Kuwaiti resources.

The article notes that Kuwait maintains an anti-normalization stance toward Israel. In 2021, Kuwait's parliament unanimously approved a draft law imposing severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, on anyone normalizing relations or conducting economic ties with Israel. According to this law, Israel is considered an enemy state, and citizens are forbidden from establishing any connections with Israelis or Israeli entities, with violators facing five to ten years in prison and financial penalties.