Kuwait has condemned recent missile and drone attacks attributed to Iran targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure across the Gulf region, underscoring concerns over regional security and stability. The strikes have affected countries including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman—the latter acting as a mediator between Washington and Tehran amid ongoing tensions.
Kuwaiti officials highlighted that while Iranian leaders have at times expressed diplomatic intentions, the actions of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reveal a contrasting agenda. The IRGC’s support for the Houthi militia in Yemen, which has launched attacks on Saudi Arabia and disrupted Red Sea shipping, has been cited as evidence of state-sponsored terrorism and proxy warfare that undermine peace efforts in the region.
The Kuwaiti representative at a recent international forum emphasized that power within Iran remains firmly in the hands of the IRGC, headquartered at Khatam al-Anbiya, rather than elected officials or even the Supreme Leader whose public presence is limited. This fragmentation is said to fuel contradictory messaging from Tehran, as seen when Iranian President’s apologies for Gulf strikes coincided with further military actions by the Revolutionary Guard.
Since the onset of the conflict nearly seven months ago, Iran has publicly claimed that attacks targeted only U.S. military assets. However, Kuwait and other Gulf states assert that Iranian missiles and drones have hit civilian neighborhoods, energy facilities, airports, desalination plants, and commercial vessels. In addition, Iranian parliamentary officials recently displayed a map identifying the waters as the “Persian Gulf,” which Kuwait interprets as an attempt to assert cultural and political dominance over the region.
In response, Kuwait expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by regional and international partners and welcomed Security Council Resolution 2817 along with other relevant UN measures condemning the aggression and reaffirming the right of self-defense under the UN Charter.
Kuwait also highlighted its commitment to diplomatic solutions aimed at de-escalation. The country praised mediation efforts by Qatar and Pakistan and called for durable regional agreements founded on respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and the cessation of support for proxy groups. Kuwait further emphasized concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missile development, and use of drones.
Regarding its own foreign relations, Kuwait reaffirmed adherence to the UN Charter principles of neighborliness and non-interference. The country regards Iraq as a key partner in regional security and stability, acknowledging progress under Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaydi’s leadership in consolidating arms control and improving bilateral ties.
Kuwait also stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues with Iraq, including maritime boundary demarcation beyond Marker 162 under international law, and upholding security agreements governing navigation, environmental protection, and counterterrorism efforts. Kuwait called on Iraq to cooperate with the UN High-Level Representative to advance efforts concerning Kuwaiti missing persons, prisoners, and the recovery of national property.
Overall, Kuwait’s statements reflect its dual approach of condemning Iranian military actions while supporting diplomatic engagement to restore peace and security in the Gulf region.