An Iranian drone strike on Kuwait's international airport killed one person and injured at least 63 others, marking one of the largest attacks on a Gulf nation since a ceasefire between the United States and Iran was announced in April. Video footage verified by The New York Times showed fire inside the airport terminal building. Iran said the attack was retaliation for earlier U.S. strikes on an Iranian oil tanker and island.
The assault involved a barrage of drones and missiles targeting Kuwait and Bahrain. U.S. forces shot down multiple Iranian missiles and drones in response to the attacks. The strike on Kuwait's airport has further disrupted travel across the Middle East, with airports in Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran all having come under fire in recent weeks. Some of these airports serve military functions while others do not.
President Trump said talks with Iran remain ongoing despite the escalation. He confirmed he had called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said he hoped to meet with Iran's supreme leader. The comments came as the fragile ceasefire continues to be tested by attacks from both sides.
The airport attack represents a significant breach of the April ceasefire agreement. Kuwait has been a key U.S. ally in the Gulf region, hosting American military personnel and serving as a logistics hub. The targeting of civilian infrastructure at an international airport marks an expansion of the conflict beyond military sites.
The strike comes amid broader tensions following the collapse of Trump's previous tariff policies in February, when the Supreme Court struck down many of his duties. The administration has since announced new tariffs over forced labor concerns. The Gulf region remains on high alert as the situation between the U.S. and Iran continues to deteriorate despite stated intentions to pursue diplomatic talks.