Kuwait
Kuwait is a strategic Gulf nation and a key Western security partner. In mid-2026, it became a central theater in the direct kinetic war between the United States and the Iranian regime, facing repeated missile and drone strikes targeting American military installations, oil infrastructure, and residential areas.
Kuwait occupies a critical geopolitical position at the tip of the Persian Gulf, serving as a primary logistical and operational hub for United States Central Command (CENTCOM). Historically a close ally of the West since the 1991 Gulf War, Kuwait hosts several major military installations, including the Ali Al-Salem and Ahmad Al-Jaber airbases, which are vital for regional air superiority and surveillance. While Kuwait has traditionally sought to balance regional tensions, its hosting of thousands of American personnel and its strategic proximity to Iran have made it a recurring target for Iranian-backed threats.
In July 2026, following the collapse of the 'Islamabad' memorandum and subsequent escalation between Washington and Tehran, Kuwait transitioned from a logistical rear to a frontline combat zone. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian army launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles and Arash drones toward Kuwaiti territory. These strikes specifically targeted American assembly points and logistics centers, as well as the Ali Al-Salem Air Base, in retaliation for U.S. strikes against strategic infrastructure inside Iran. By mid-July, the conflict expanded to include Kuwait's economic lifelines. Reports confirmed significant damage to oil facilities managed by the Kuwait Oil Company, with heavy smoke observed at several sites, and satellite imagery documenting strikes on the Al Ahmadi port.
By August and September 2026, the intensity of the conflict increased. On August 1, the Kuwaiti Army announced the interception of 8 missiles and 12 drones in a single morning. The IRGC has issued direct threats to strike Kuwait 'with force,' accusing it of facilitating U.S. operations. This has led to a shift in Kuwait's posture toward active defense and participation in a developing regional coalition alongside the U.S., Israel, and other Gulf partners. Recent incidents, including a drone strike on a residential complex in Kuwait City on September 2, 2026, underscore the ongoing risk to Kuwaiti sovereignty and civilian safety as the direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran continues.