Gulf hostilities escalated again on Wednesday as Iranian attacks on Kuwait resulted in one death, at least 63 injuries, and damage to the international airport. The US military conducted strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict showed little progress. Oil prices surged by more than 2% as the strait remains largely closed over three months after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
Kuwait International Airport Targeted
Flights at Kuwait International Airport were suspended following an Iranian drone and missile attack that damaged the Terminal 1 building and diplomatic missions, according to Kuwaiti authorities and state media. The specific missions affected were not disclosed. The civil aviation authority later announced that Kuwait Airways would resume flights from Terminal 4 after assessing damage and implementing safety measures.
Military Intercepts Debris
Kuwait's military reported tracking and intercepting 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones in Kuwaiti airspace since dawn on Wednesday, with debris falling in several residential areas. In Bahrain, the army intercepted three missiles and several drones, as Iran claimed it attacked the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in the country, along with an airbase and helicopters in another unspecified regional state.
US Military Response
The US military stated that two Iranian missiles aimed at Kuwait fell short or broke up in flight, while several ballistic missiles failed to strike their targets in the region. It also confirmed carrying out a strike on a tanker heading for Iran.
Casualties and Damage
The Kuwaiti armed forces confirmed that Iran targeted civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, resulting in the death of an Indian expatriate, injuries to several people, and significant material damage.
Iran's Accusations and Self-Defense Vow
Iran's foreign ministry condemned US attacks on an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and a telecommunications tower on Qeshm Island, calling them violations of a ceasefire understanding and international law. The ministry accused Kuwait and Bahrain of bearing direct and clear responsibility for the attacks, alleging that their territory and facilities were used to support US military operations against Iran. Tehran reserved the right to self-defense and vowed to use all available means to respond, including targeting the source of any future attacks.
Qatar Condemns Attacks
Qatar condemned Iranian attacks on civilian targets in Kuwait and Bahrain, stating that the strikes damaging Kuwait International Airport and causing injuries violate international law, as reported by Al Jazeera. The Qatari Foreign Ministry emphasized that the attacks breached the 1949 Geneva Conventions and principles of international humanitarian law, including prohibitions on targeting civilians and civilian objects.
Israel Continues Strikes on Lebanon
The broader conflict has killed thousands, mainly in Iran and Lebanon, while disrupting global energy supplies and shipping. It also sparked renewed clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel conducting its deepest incursion into Lebanon in 25 years. Israeli drone strikes killed at least six people in southern Lebanon and targeted a car just south of Beirut, according to Lebanese security sources. Israel intercepted a hostile aircraft likely fired by Hezbollah. The attack on the car appeared to be the closest to Beirut since the US-mediated partial ceasefire announced on Monday, which requested Israel not to hit the Lebanese capital.
