Kuwait Becomes Main Target of Iranian Attacks in Gulf Amid Rising Tensions

Kuwait has emerged as the primary target of Iranian attacks in the Gulf region amid renewed tensions with the United States, according to a source close to the Kuwaiti government. Since Iran resumed assaults related to the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and the Kurdish region in northern Iraq have borne the brunt of the attacks. In contrast, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have experienced fewer attacks, while the United Arab Emirates has not been targeted in the current wave. This marks a shift from the previous "40-day war" period when the UAE faced the highest number of attacks, even surpassing Israel.

Kuwait has been hit by dozens of drones and ballistic missiles, with over 1,350 attacks attributed to Iran and its proxies since the conflict escalated in late February. The Kuwaiti source explained that Tehran's focus on Kuwait is deliberate, partly because Kuwait refused to engage in secret dialogues with Iran's Revolutionary Guards and declined to meet Tehran's demands. Notably, Kuwait arrested Revolutionary Guards officers in May who attempted to infiltrate the country by sea to carry out terrorist activities and refused to release them despite Iranian pressure.

Geopolitical factors also contribute to Kuwait's vulnerability, including its proximity to Iran and its proxies in Iraq, its lack of a strong regional ally during the conflict, and Iran's economic interest in Kuwait's resources. Although Iran primarily targets U.S. military bases in Kuwait, attacks have extended to civilian infrastructure such as power plants, water desalination facilities, and oil installations, causing significant damage and casualties. These attacks led to the closure of Kuwait's airspace over the weekend. Kuwait is currently focused on defense and hopes other Gulf states will not leave it isolated against Iran's aggression.

Meanwhile, the United States is deploying fighter jets to the Middle East amid concerns of further escalation with Iran, with fears that Israel could be drawn into the conflict.