Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at Kuwait on Friday, targeting a power station and a water desalination plant, according to Kuwait's military. Several Kuwaiti soldiers were wounded by falling shrapnel, but no civilian casualties were reported. The attack caused fires and material damage across the country, including at critical infrastructure sites.
The strike came in response to recent US airstrikes on Iranian targets, including bridges and airports in southern Iran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they were retaliation for US strikes. The IRGC also claimed to have struck a US military drone depot in Bahrain.
Kuwaiti authorities reported that the attack damaged power-generation units and sparked a fire at the desalination plant, which produces about 90% of the country's drinking water. The government urged residents to ration electricity to ease strain on the national grid amid soaring summer temperatures. Iran has previously targeted Gulf allies with drone and missile barrages since the war erupted in late February.
In a separate development, Iran's Supreme Leader advisor, Mohsen Rezaei, warned that Tehran may initiate 'full-scale offensive operations' if the US continues strikes against Iran. He also threatened an 'offensive war' if the US attempts to seize any locations. The US has carried out several waves of strikes against Iran over the past week, targeting infrastructure and military sites.
The attack on Kuwait's water supply underscores the vulnerability of desalination plants in the Middle East, which are critical for providing freshwater in one of the world's driest regions. Hundreds of such plants line the Persian Gulf coast, making them potential targets in the ongoing conflict.
Iran also launched attacks against Bahrain and Qatar on Friday, targeting US military facilities and infrastructure. Qatar issued warnings to residents to take shelter as Iranian missiles approached. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that US strikes overnight hit several bridges in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, killing at least seven people and injuring others.
The escalating tensions have raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further retaliation. The US has warned that it may broaden its campaign to target Iranian power plants and bridges unless Tehran returns to talks.