Iran Drones Strike Kuwait Airport amid U.S.-Iran Tensions
Kuwait reported that Iranian drones caused significant damage on Wednesday at the main airport terminal, resulting in one death and numerous injuries. The incident led to a temporary closure of the airport facilities, amid ongoing conflicts involving Iran and the United States, affecting a delicate ceasefire. Iran denied involvement in the attack.
This event has increased risks for residents and travelers in the Persian Gulf, an area previously considered relatively safe. Talks have continued for weeks as mediators attempt to achieve a more lasting truce, but tensions have escalated due to Israel’s expanding conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
An official stated Iran demands a separate ceasefire in Lebanon before resuming discussions. President Donald Trump noted that negotiations to extend the ceasefire with Iran are ongoing, even as the U.S. conducts military strikes on an Iranian island. He described the situation as a phase when ceasefires involve shooting in a more controlled manner.
Fighting in Lebanon has revealed tensions between U.S. and Israeli allies, with Washington urging restraint. Trump admitted to calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” during a recent phone call, though both leaders assert strong ties. Meanwhile, Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil and gas transport, while the U.S. blocks Iranian ports, keeping fuel prices high worldwide.
In Washington, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said he met with Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House to address freeing up trade. Rubio faced tough questions in Congress about the war’s economic effects.
Casualties and Diplomatic Tensions
A spokesman for Kuwait’s Defense Ministry stated multiple hostile drones from Iran targeted the Kuwait International Airport’s passenger terminal, which had just reopened following a months-long closure due to the war. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard denied attacking the airport, claiming the damage resulted from a malfunctioning U.S. interceptor, while the U.S. Central Command declared it a deliberate Iranian drone attack. Kuwait authorities identified the deceased as an Indian national, with 63 others injured.
Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense reported intercepting numerous Iranian missiles and drones. Aviation authorities partially reopened the airport, allowing Kuwait Airways flights, but stated no other flights would operate. Kuwait expelled two Iranian diplomats, signaling international discontent.
Ongoing Military Escalation
The U.S. military intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones targeting American forces in Kuwait and collaborated with Bahraini forces to intercept additional threats. Both Tehran and Washington acknowledged retaliating for previous attacks. Israel’s Netanyahu declared Iran was “playing with fire,” and any decision to escalate military action would rest with Trump.
Iranian officials warned of an immediate response to any offensive acts. U.S. forces also launched attacks against Iranian military control stations, which Iran termed as aggressive acts violating the ceasefire.
Conflict’s Regional Impact
Israel’s military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah’s counterattacks continue despite a theoretical ceasefire. Iran insists on resolving Lebanese hostilities as part of a broader truce strategy, an approach Israel’s Netanyahu opposes amid internal pressure to act against Hezbollah.
In a podcast interview, Trump confirmed his previous sharp remarks about Netanyahu, linked to frustrations over the stalled Iran talks. Despite tactical disagreements, both leaders emphasize shared goals and good working relations.
Netanyahu commented in CNBC about resolving differences with Trump to maintain aligned objectives.