Iran Strikes Kuwait Airport and Bahraini Water Plant in Fresh Drone Attacks

Iran launched fresh drone strikes on Gulf infrastructure on Sunday, targeting fuel tanks at Kuwait International Airport and a desalination plant in Bahrain, as Tehran intensified its military campaign in the region for a second consecutive week.

At least four people were reported dead across the Gulf region following the attacks, which mark an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-led coalition.

Casualties in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the civil defence authorities reported that a “military projectile” killed two people an Indian and a Bangladeshi national and injured 12 others after it landed in a residential area in Al-Kharj governorate, south of Riyadh.

Kuwait Reports Fatalities, Infrastructure Damage

Kuwait’s interior ministry announced that two border guards were killed “while performing their national duty,” though officials did not provide further details on the circumstances of their deaths.

The Kuwaiti military confirmed that fuel tanks at the country’s international airport were directly hit in a drone attack. The official Kuwait News Agency reported that a fire at the airport was quickly brought under control, with no “significant injuries” recorded.

The military condemned the attack as “a direct targeting of vital infrastructure.” In a separate statement, authorities noted that “some civilian facilities sustained material damage as a result of falling fragments and debris from interception operations.”

Following the attacks, Kuwait’s national oil company announced a “precautionary” reduction in crude production. Authorities also reported that the country’s main social security building was targeted, sustaining material damage and forcing its temporary closure to visitors on Sunday.

Bahrain Water Plant Damaged

Bahrain’s interior ministry confirmed that an Iranian drone attack damaged a water desalination plant, accusing Tehran of “randomly” targeting civilian infrastructure. The attack came a day after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed responsibility for striking the US Juffair base in Bahrain, alleging it had been used to attack an Iranian desalination facility.

Bahrain’s national communication office later assured residents that the attack had no impact on water supplies or network capacity. However, falling missile debris injured three people and damaged a university building in the Muharraq area, according to the interior ministry.

Saudi Arabia Intercepts 33 Drones

Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry announced it had intercepted 33 drones on Sunday, with no reports of damage or casualties from the attacks. Among the thwarted strikes was a drone aimed at Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. The capital and surrounding areas were targeted by 26 drones, while another drone targeted the Shaybah oil field in the country’s southeast.

UAE Reports Widespread Interceptions

The United Arab Emirates reported that its air defences destroyed 16 of 17 detected ballistic missiles, with one falling into the sea. Authorities also intercepted 113 of 117 detected drones, though four fell within the country.

Iranian Leadership Issues Warnings and Apologies

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Sunday that the Islamic Republic “will be forced to respond” against neighbouring countries if their territory is used to attack Iran. The warning came just one day after the president had apologised to Gulf nations hosting US military bases for attacks on their land.

Despite the apology, Iran’s judiciary chief later stated that strikes would continue on sites in Gulf countries that were “at the disposal of the enemy.”

Regional Tensions Escalate

Gulf countries have borne the brunt of Tehran’s retaliation following a massive US and Israel air campaign against Iran. According to an AFP tally, 18 people including 10 civilians have been killed in Gulf states since the war began.

In a rare televised address, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan acknowledged that the Emirates were in “a period of war” but expressed confidence that the nation “will emerge stronger” from it.

Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, briefly closed on Saturday after authorities reported an unidentified object was intercepted nearby. A witness described a loud explosion followed by a cloud of smoke near the airport. The government confirmed “a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception,” noting there were no injuries.

Gulf countries have consistently stated that their territory has not been used in attacks against Iran, reiterating this position repeatedly before the conflict began.