KUWAIT VOWS TO DEFEND SOVEREIGNTY, SLAMS IRAN ESCALATION

Kuwait City, Kuwait Jul 12, 2026 ALN: Kuwait's armed forces successfully intercepted three ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and ten hostile drones detected in the country’s airspace early Thursday, according to the Ministry of Defense. Colonel Saud Al-Atwan, the ministry's spokesperson, confirmed that the hostile projectiles were neutralized before reaching their intended targets. However, debris from the interceptions caused material damage at several locations and resulted in one injury, with the affected individual now in stable condition after being hospitalized.

In response to the incident, army engineering teams were deployed to manage the remnants of the interception operations. Colonel Al-Atwan emphasized that the armed forces are on full operational readiness to safeguard the nation’s security and ensure the safety of both citizens and residents. The General Staff of the Kuwaiti Army has urged the public to refrain from approaching or photographing any missile or drone debris, warning against sharing images or videos of the wreckage on social media. Citizens and residents are advised to follow instructions from the relevant authorities and rely solely on official sources for information.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong condemnation of the ongoing Iranian attacks targeting Kuwait, labeling Thursday’s missile strike as a dangerous escalation that jeopardizes regional peace and security and undermines diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. In a formal statement, the ministry characterized the repeated attacks as a hostile pattern that blatantly violates Kuwait’s sovereignty and poses a direct threat to the nation's security and stability. It further asserted that these actions endanger the lives of citizens and residents while violating international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The ministry reiterated that Kuwait’s security and sovereignty are non-negotiable, affirming the country’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory in accordance with international law.

The missile attacks drew immediate regional support, with Bahrain condemning the repeated missile and drone strikes as a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and a serious breach of international law. The Bahraini government reaffirmed its full solidarity with Kuwait, commending the readiness of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and calling upon the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to take decisive action to prevent further attacks and ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen also denounced the attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, describing them as significant violations of national sovereignty and international law, and expressed solidarity with both Gulf states while supporting all legitimate measures taken to protect their security and stability.

The ongoing tensions in the region are deeply rooted in a complex web of historical grievances, geopolitical rivalries, and sectarian divides. Iran and its allies, including various militia groups, have frequently engaged in aggressive posturing against neighboring countries, particularly those aligned with the United States and Saudi Arabia. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that serves as a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been a focal point of these tensions, with both sides vying for control over this strategic waterway. The recent military actions underscore the fragile state of peace in the region and the potential for a wider conflict.

In a separate development, Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah received a phone call from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud. The two ministers discussed the latest regional developments, the ongoing escalation, and efforts to contain tensions while advancing diplomatic solutions aimed at preserving regional peace and stability. Saudi Arabia has historically played a key role in mediating conflicts in the Gulf region, and its support for Kuwait during this crisis is indicative of the broader coalition of Gulf states that stand united against Iranian aggression.

In the latest developments, the United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, prompting Tehran to retaliate by targeting U.S.-allied countries in the Middle East. This exchange of fire has raised concerns about the potential collapse of an interim deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the region. Sirens were activated multiple times in Bahrain, which hosts the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters, and missiles were reported targeting both Kuwait and Qatar. Sirens also sounded in Jordan, where U.S. troops and aircraft are stationed. Iranian officials accused the U.S. of conducting an airstrike targeting the vicinity of Iran’s only nuclear power plant, with additional explosions reported across the country.

The U.S. airstrikes, which were said to target 90 locations across Iran, were intended to degrade Iran’s capability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and natural gas is transported. The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted traffic in this vital waterway, causing oil prices to soar and increasing the costs of essential goods in the region. The economic ramifications of these hostilities extend beyond the immediate area, affecting global markets and heightening concerns about energy security worldwide.

As tensions escalate, Iranian state media reported explosions in various locations, including near the nuclear power plant in Bushehr and in southern port cities. The U.S. military's Central Command confirmed the strikes were aimed at further diminishing Iran’s military capabilities. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as both sides continue to exchange fire. Analysts warn that without effective diplomatic intervention, the risk of a full-scale war could become a reality, with grave consequences for millions of people in the region.

In light of these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that recent Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz signify the end of a fragile ceasefire and warned of escalating conflict if such actions do not cease. The ongoing hostilities reflect a divide within Iran’s leadership, with hard-liners advocating for control over the Strait of Hormuz while pragmatists seek a permanent peace deal to alleviate international sanctions and provide economic relief. This internal struggle complicates the prospects for a diplomatic resolution, as both factions vie for influence amid external pressures.

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can restore stability to the region and prevent further loss of life. The implications of this conflict extend beyond the immediate actors involved, as it poses significant risks to global trade, energy supplies, and international relations. The potential for miscalculation or unintended consequences remains high, necessitating a concerted effort from all stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in the Gulf region.