Iranian military forces launched drone attacks on U.S. targets in Kuwait on Friday, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran amid a recent flare-up of hostilities in the Middle East. According to a statement released by Iran’s military and disseminated through state media, the strikes targeted U.S. assets at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base in Kuwait.
A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Iran had fired multiple projectiles toward Kuwait but reported no significant damage to American military installations in the region. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti military stated that it intercepted and destroyed several drones while they were still in its airspace. Although falling debris caused some material damage, there were no reported injuries.
The Iranian military framed the attacks as retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets. On Thursday, U.S. Central Command carried out strikes against sites in Iran, including military command centers and missile and drone production facilities. These strikes followed ballistic missile launches by Iran toward American forces stationed in the Middle East earlier in the week.
The recent exchange of attacks marks a resumption of direct military confrontations between the United States and Iran after a period of relative calm. Other regional U.S. allies have also experienced increased attacks, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which saw multiple drone and missile strikes in recent days.
For the first time, Egypt was drawn into the escalating conflict when an unidentified drone caused an explosion at the port of Damietta on Thursday. The incident led to fires on two vessels, including a U.S.-owned gas storage tanker. While the attack did not disrupt traffic through the nearby Suez Canal, analysts warned that it underscored the potential for the conflict to impact global trade routes.
Commercial shipping, particularly oil tankers, has been repeatedly targeted in the region, especially near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Beyond the Gulf, the conflict’s maritime threats have expanded as Houthi forces in Yemen, backed by Iran, have declared a blockade on Saudi vessels and have attacked ships operating in the Red Sea, a key corridor for oil exports amid the war.
Responding to these threats, Saudi Arabia announced plans on Thursday to form a military coalition aimed at protecting shipping lanes, with participation from over a dozen countries. Specific operational details and the nature of the military assets involved have yet to be clarified.
At the same time, the Saudi foreign ministry revealed joint military actions with the U.S. targeting Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, which Riyadh holds responsible for attacks on its oil infrastructure. A Saudi official, speaking anonymously on Friday, emphasized that these strikes targeted only militia weapons depots and were not intended as an attack on the Iraqi government or its people. The official also indicated that the military response followed unsuccessful diplomatic efforts.
The ongoing attacks and threats have severely impacted oil exports from Persian Gulf nations, contributing to economic difficulties in the region. Saudi Arabia reported a 4.8 percent contraction in its economy in the last quarter, marking its worst downturn since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.