Iran War Highlights: Kuwait slams Iran for hostile drone attacks that left several injured

Amid a rapidly evolving security situation in West Asia, the Kuwaiti Army on Wednesday said accused Iran of hostile drone attacks, which left several people injured and targeted the passenger building at the Kuwait International Airport. Meanwhile, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV claimed that the IRGC carried out retaliatory strikes against the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

An Indian national was killed and several others injured in an attack that targeted Kuwait International Airport, officials said on Wednesday. In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Kuwait said it is "closely coordinating" with the Kuwaiti authorities to extend all possible support and assistance to the bereaved family as well as those injured in the incident. "Embassy of India in Kuwait expresses its deepest condolences at the tragic demise of an Indian national due to an attack on the airport in Kuwait today," it said.

Israel and Lebanon reached a US-brokered agreement where Israel would not strike Beirut's southern suburbs and Hezbollah would end its attacks on northern Israel. The agreement was made hours after Israel announced that it was going to launch strikes across the sprawling urban neighbourhoods near the Lebanese capital in what would have been the most intense strikes since a nominal ceasefire went into effect on April 17.

Trump remained noncommittal about a timeline for settling the conflict, saying the Strait of Hormuz might stay blocked through the Labor Day holiday on September 7. He has insisted that Iran stop any efforts that could lead to a nuclear weapon and that the strait be reopened for the shipments of oil and natural gas. "I don't know. I mean, I think it could be (closed through Labor Day), but I think it's unlikely. I think that we'll have it. I think this will resolve itself fairly quickly," Trump said.

President Donald Trump in an interview confirmed an earlier report that he criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "crazy" in a Monday phone call, saying he was "a little bit perturbed" that Israel's fighting of Hezbollah in Lebanon was holding back peace talks with Iran. But even as the US president acknowledged the tensions, he insisted that his relationship with Netanyahu was solid and they connected, in part, because they're both "wartime" leaders.

Kuwaiti authorities said an Iranian attack targeting Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday killed at least one person and injured several others, according to the Associated Press.

The strike, which reportedly involved drones, caused significant damage to parts of the airport complex and prompted the suspension of flight operations. Emergency services were deployed to the scene as rescue and relief efforts got underway.

Iran is expected to hold the funeral of its slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, around June 21, according to officials overseeing preparations for the ceremony.

Iranian authorities have said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is coordinating the funeral arrangements, with plans for several days of public mourning and processions in multiple cities before Khamenei is laid to rest in Mashhad. Officials have indicated that the ceremony could draw millions of mourners, potentially making it one of the largest public gatherings in modern Iranian history.

An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle south of Beirut on Wednesday, underscoring the continuing hostilities in Lebanon despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

The attack came as clashes between the two sides persisted ahead of the next round of peace negotiations, which are scheduled to take place in Washington on Thursday.

The latest strike highlights the fragile security situation in the region, with violence continuing even as mediators push for progress in talks aimed at ending the conflict.

Bahrain's military said on Wednesday that its air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed three missiles and several drones, condemning what it described as Iranian attacks targeting the kingdom and the wider region.

In a statement, the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force accused Iran of pursuing a "systematic hostile approach" through missile and drone attacks aimed at civilian sites in Bahrain.

The military said all branches of the armed forces remained at the highest levels of readiness and defensive preparedness. Authorities also urged residents to avoid touching or approaching any unfamiliar or suspicious objects that may be found following the interceptions.

A number of “hostile drones” targeted the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport, causing severe damage to the building and injuring several people, Kuwait's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi told the Associated Press that the drones struck the airport's passenger facility, prompting authorities to suspend flight operations as emergency teams responded to the incident.

The attack came amid escalating regional tensions following a fresh exchange of strikes between Iran and the United States. Kuwaiti authorities have not yet provided a detailed assessment of the damage or the number of casualties.

Kuwait suspended flight operations on Wednesday after an Iranian attack targeted Kuwait International Airport, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

According to AFP, the strike hit facilities at the airport, prompting authorities to halt flights as a precaution. Initial reports indicated that several people were wounded in the attack.

The incident came amid renewed tensions between Iran and the United States, with attacks and counterattacks continuing despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict. Reports said emergency services were deployed to the airport while authorities assessed the extent of the damage.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that Washington would closely scrutinise Iran’s delegation attending the upcoming FIFA World Cup, seeking to prevent any individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from entering the United States under the cover of tournament participation.

IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency on Tuesday published a video it said showed explosions at US military bases in Kuwait, citing Arab media reports and local residents who claimed multiple impacts had occurred at American facilities.

Tasnim reported that at least three missiles were believed to have been launched toward US positions in Kuwait. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its air defense systems successfully intercepted multiple drones and that no American personnel were injured and no US assets were damaged.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted American military installations in the region, including the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, and a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz in response to what it described as US attacks on an Iran-linked oil tanker and strikes on Qeshm Island.

However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected Iran’s claims, denying that the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain or a US air base in the region had been struck.

The Qeshm Island is the largest in the Persian Gulf. It is located off the southern coast of Iran in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Spanning roughly 1,500 square kilometres, this arrow-shaped island is a duty-free trade zone renowned for its otherworldly geological wonders, unique wildlife, and rich maritime heritage. 

An additional wave of Iranian drones launched toward US forces in Kuwait on Wednesday failed to reach its intended targets, according to US Central Command. The military said its air defence systems successfully intercepted and shot down multiple drones, ensuring that no American personnel were injured and no US assets were damaged in the attack.

Oil prices climbed more than 1% in early trading on Wednesday as escalating tensions in the Middle East raised concerns over regional stability and energy supplies.

According to Reuters, the gains came after Iran launched missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain and diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington showed little sign of progress.

Brent crude futures rose $1.05, or 1.09%, to $97.05 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $1.01, or 1.08%, to $94.77 a barrel. Both benchmarks had reached their highest levels in a week during the previous session.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that American forces intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones before carrying out what it described as self-defense strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island following attempted Iranian attacks across the Middle East on June 2.
In a statement, CENTCOM said Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward neighbouring countries, but claimed that none reached their intended targets.

According to the US military, two missiles fired toward Kuwait either fell short or broke apart during flight, while three missiles launched toward Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defense systems.

CENTCOM also said American forces intercepted additional drones launched by Iran as part of its response to the threats across the region.

Kuwait’s air defense systems engaged and neutralized multiple incoming aerial threats on Wednesday amid rising tensions across the Gulf.

In a statement, the General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army said the explosions reported in several parts of the country were caused by air defense operations targeting hostile projectiles.

“Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks,” the military said. “Any explosion sounds heard by residents are the result of air defense systems intercepting these threats.”

Air raid sirens sounded across Bahrain early Wednesday, prompting the Interior Ministry to urge residents to remain calm and move to the nearest safe shelter.

The warning came shortly after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that three missiles had struck “enemy bases” in Kuwait. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s military said it was actively intercepting incoming missile and drone threats.

The US military carried out what it described as “self-defense” strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM said the operation was launched in response to attempted Iranian attacks across the Middle East.

“Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbours; however, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart en route, while three missiles launched at Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defense systems,” CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.