Kuwait Expels Two Iranian Diplomats and Denies Claims That Its Territory Was Used to Attack Iran

KUWAIT — Iranian forces launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones at Kuwait early on June 3. Kuwaiti air defenses intercepted 13 ballistic missiles and 17 drones according to a Kuwaiti Army statement.

The strikes damaged Kuwait International Airport’s passenger terminal, killed one Indian expatriate and injured several others according to Kuwaiti officials.

Kuwait has rejected Iran’s assertion that Kuwaiti territory and airspace served as a launch point for prior attacks on Iran. In a diplomatic response, Kuwait expelled two Iranian embassy employees and summoned Iran’s chargé d’affaires.

Diplomatic and Regional Responses

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s acting chargé d’affaires and declared two Iranian diplomatic staff persona non grata. The two employees must leave Kuwaiti territory within 24 hours.

The ministry described the decision as a response to the Iranian attacks on civilian and vital facilities. Kuwait publicly denied Tehran’s assertion that its territories and airspace served as a launch platform for attacks on Iran.

Iranian statements had linked the Kuwait strikes to prior U.S. actions against an Iranian tanker and facilities on Qeshm Island, accusing Kuwait and Bahrain of enabling those operations. Kuwait rejected any such role.

The government of Saudi Arabia condemned the Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the strongest terms. The statement cited the targeting of Kuwait International Airport and other vital facilities, which caused one death and injuries, and affirmed solidarity with Kuwait while extending condolences.

The government of the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the Iranian drone and missile attacks on Kuwait. It described the strikes as a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, a breach of international law, and a threat to regional security and critical infrastructure. The UAE expressed full solidarity with Kuwait.

The government of Jordan condemned the attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait. It called the strikes a breach of international law and the UN Charter, affirmed absolute solidarity with Kuwait, and extended condolences for the death and wishes for recovery of the injured.

Qatar condemned the repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait as a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and the international rules-based order on June 1.

The statement stressed the necessity of shielding the region from the consequences of continued attacks and reducing tensions, while reiterating full support for Kuwait’s measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on Kuwait International Airport in which an Indian national was killed and several others were injured.

The ministry expressed condolences to the victim’s family and reported that the Indian Embassy in Kuwait is providing assistance to those injured while remaining in contact with local authorities regarding the welfare of Indian nationals in the region.

Kuwaiti health authorities reported at least 63 people injured, some seriously; the Indian Embassy confirmed the death of one Indian national and stated it is providing assistance to those injured while remaining in contact with local authorities.

Assessment:The coordinated diplomatic expulsions and public denials by Kuwait, paired with rapid condemnations from three GCC neighbors, show how Gulf states are uniting to deter further Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure.

The measures raise the diplomatic cost for Iran without immediate military escalation from Kuwait. The Indian government response highlights the impact on expatriate communities and official channels for assistance.

Kuwait Military Account of the June 3 Attacks

Kuwait’s armed forces monitored and engaged 13 hostile ballistic missiles and 17 hostile drones in Kuwaiti airspace beginning at dawn on June 3 according to the Kuwait Army statement.

Interceptions occurred over several residential areas, with some debris falling on the ground. The Ministry of Defense statement noted that the Iranian attacks targeted civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport.

This resulted in the death of one Indian expatriate and injuries to several individuals, plus significant material damage.

Kuwait Air Defenses reported engaging Iranian ballistic missiles and UAVs on June 3, with 13 ballistic missiles and 17 UAVs recorded for the wave. Separate cumulative figures since the start of broader Iranian aggression list 15 cruise missiles, 372 ballistic missiles, and 869 UAVs engaged overall.

Kuwait urged residents not to approach, photograph, or circulate images of affected sites or debris areas to protect public safety. Authorities emphasized following official safety instructions and obtaining information only from authorized sources.

CENTCOM Account Of The June 2-3 Attacks:

CENTCOM reported on June 2, that U.S. forces successfully “defeated” multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East.

Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart en route, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces.

The command added that moments earlier U.S. forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners transiting regional waters. No U.S. personnel were harmed.

CENTCOM rejected Iranian claims that strikes hit the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain or other regional bases according to the command’s statement.

On June 3, the command reported an additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack U.S. forces in Kuwait failed to impact intended targets. CENTCOM said that its air defenses successfully downed multiple drones and ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.

Assessment:The divergence between Iranian claims regarding attacks on U.S. military targets and Kuwaiti reports of airport damage and civilian casualties remains a point of factual dispute requiring further independent verification.

CENTCOM’s account aligns with Kuwaiti figures on interceptions over Kuwait while providing additional detail on U.S. self-defense actions and Bahrain parallel threats.

IRGC: Strikes Were Retaliation for U.S. Attacks On Iranian Oil Tanker, Qeshm Island Facilities

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Foreign Ministry statements framed the strikes as retaliation for U.S. attacks on an Iranian oil tanker and facilities on Qeshm Island.

Iranian accounts claimed targeting of Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and other U.S.-linked sites. Kuwaiti authorities stated the attacks struck civilian and vital facilities, including the international airport passenger terminal.

U.S. Central Command released a statement saying, “CLAIM: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims they struck U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a U.S. air base in the region with missiles and drones today. FALSE.”

The statement added, “TRUTH: All Iranian attacks on American forces failed. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression.”

Parallel Iranian Strikes on Bahrain

Iranian forces also launched missiles and drones toward Bahrain on June 2-3, as part of the same barrage affecting the region.

Three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces, according to CENTCOM.

The Bahrain Defense Force reported successfully intercepting the attack, which it described as part of Iran’s systematic strikes on civilian sites.

All forces remained at maximum readiness, with no damage or casualties reported in the kingdom. U.S. Central Command confirmed joint U.S.-Bahraini efforts downed the missiles.

What to Watch

• When commercial flights resume at Kuwait International Airport and any updated safety advisories for expatriates and residents take effect.

• Additional diplomatic steps by Kuwait or other GCC states, including possible further reductions in Iranian diplomatic presence.

• Any Iranian statements or actions for follow-up strikes or de-escalation.

• Public reporting on debris clearance, infrastructure repairs, and long-term effects on Kuwait-Iran bilateral ties.

• Potential regional oil price movements and shipping advisories in the Persian Gulf tied to the broader conflict.

• Further CENTCOM or partner nation updates on intercepts, self-defense actions, and any additional threats neutralized.

Official Statements

Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 3, 2026: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait’s condemnation and denunciation, in the strongest terms, of the brutal and ongoing Iranian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones, the latest of which occurred at dawn today, targeting once again civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, resulting in the death of one individual, injuries to others, and damage to vital facilities, including diplomatic missions. The Ministry affirms the State of Kuwait’s categorical rejection of Iran’s overt aggressive attacks, which lead to increased escalation, heightened tension, and undermine the security and stability of the region, constituting a violation of the rules of international law, the United Nations Charter, and Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026.”

Kuwait Ministry of Defense, Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, June 3, 2026: “The armed forces have monitored and dealt with (13) hostile ballistic missiles within Kuwaiti airspace since dawn today, and they were intercepted over several residential areas, resulting in the fall of some debris. The armed forces also monitored and dealt with (17) hostile drones. This Iranian criminal aggression resulted in the targeting of civilian and vital facilities, including Kuwait International Airport, leading to the death of an Indian expatriate and injuries to several individuals, in addition to significant material damage. We extend our sincere condolences and sympathies to the family of the deceased and his relatives, and we wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.”

Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 3, 2026 (translated from Arabic): “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by His Excellency Ambassador Hamad Sulaiman Al-Mishaan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, today Wednesday corresponding to June 3, 2026, summoned the Counselor Hamid Hamid Yaqoubi Far, the Acting Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the State of Kuwait, and delivered to him an official protest note regarding the ongoing Iranian attacks and the decision to reduce the members of the Iranian embassy in the country and consider two members of the Iranian diplomatic mission persona non grata, and request their departure from the territory of the State of Kuwait within a maximum period of 24 hours. His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that this decision comes in the wake of the continuation of the brutal and ongoing Iranian aggressions with ballistic missiles and drones, which were renewed at dawn today targeting a number of civil facilities and vital installations, including Kuwait International Airport, which led to the death of one person and the injury of dozens of civilians, in addition to material damage that affected vital installations and diplomatic headquarters, in violation of the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and the safety of its territory, and the Charter of the United Nations, and the principles of international law, and Security Council Resolution No. (2817). His Excellency renewed the State of Kuwait’s condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the sinful Iranian attacks, affirming the State of Kuwait’s categorical rejection of the use of its lands or airspace in any hostile acts against any country, stressing that the false Iranian claims are baseless and not based on any evidence, and that the repetition of these allegations cannot in any way justify the attacks that affected the territory of the State of Kuwait and its civilian and vital installations. He also affirmed the full and inherent right of the State of Kuwait to defend itself, and to take all necessary measures to preserve its sovereignty and secure its security and protect its lands, airspace, citizens and residents in the face of these systematic hostile practices, in accordance with international law.”

Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 3, 2026 (translated from Arabic, statement on Bahrain attacks): “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait’s condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the sinful Iranian targeting that affected the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain, in a dangerous escalation that constitutes a violation of the rules of international law and a threat to the security and stability of the region. The Ministry reaffirms the State of Kuwait’s categorical rejection of these aggressive practices, stressing the necessity of stopping them immediately and sparing the region further escalation and tension. The State of Kuwait also affirms its full solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain and its standing with it and supporting all measures it takes to preserve its security, sovereignty, stability, and the safety of its territory.”

Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 3, 2026: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the Iranian aggression and violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly Kingdom of Bahrain and the brotherly State of Kuwait, including the targeting of Kuwait International Airport and several vital facilities, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to others. The Kingdom affirms its categorical rejection of these attacks, which infringe upon the sovereignty of these brotherly Gulf states and constitute a clear violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”

United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs, June 3, 2026: “The United Arab Emirates has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist drone and missile attacks by Iran targeting the State of Kuwait, which resulted in one death, a number of injuries, and damage to critical facilities, including Kuwait International Airport and diplomatic missions. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that these terrorist attacks constitute a violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty, a breach of international law, and a threat to its security and stability, as well as to the safety of its critical infrastructure and civilian facilities.”

Jordan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, June 3, 2026: “Jordan today condemns the Iranian attacks that targeted civilian and vital facilities in the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain and the sisterly State of Kuwait, including Kuwait International Airport; a violation of the sovereignty of Bahrain and Kuwait, a threat to their security and stability and the safety of their territories, and a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s absolute solidarity with the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain and the sisterly State of Kuwait, and its standing with them in all steps they take to protect their sovereignty and security and stability and the safety of their citizens and residents therein.”

U.S. Central Command, June 2, 2026: “U.S. forces successfully defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island in response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East. Moments earlier, U.S. Central Command forces shot down three one-way attack drones launched by Iran toward civilian mariners that were rightfully transiting regional waters. American forces also conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart en route, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces. No U.S. personnel were harmed. CENTCOM forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.”

U.S. Central Command, June 3, 2026: “An additional wave of Iranian drones attempting to attack U.S. forces in Kuwait failed to impact intended targets tonight. U.S. Central Command air defenses successfully downed multiple drones and ensured no American personnel or assets were harmed.”

U.S. Central Command, June 2, 2026: “CLAIM: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claims they struck U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain and a U.S. air base in the region with missiles and drones today. FALSE. TRUTH: All Iranian attacks on American forces failed. U.S. forces remain vigilant and ready to defend against unwarranted Iranian aggression.”

Bahrain Defense Force General Command, June 3, 2026: “The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force said that Iran continues its systematic hostile approach through missile and drone attacks targeting civilian sites in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), the General Command said its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed three missiles and a number of drones. The statement stressed that the deliberate use of missiles and drones to target civilian sites and private property constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. All military units remained at the highest levels of readiness and defensive preparedness to safeguard the country. It urged citizens and residents to avoid approaching or handling any suspicious or unidentified objects that may have resulted from the attacks and to report them immediately to the relevant authorities.”

Indian Ministry of External Affairs, June 3, 2026: “We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured. Our embassy is extending all possible assistance to those injured. We remain in close contact with local authorities for the welfare of Indian nationals in the region. We again call upon parties to cease such attacks.”