Deadly drone strike on Kuwait airport as Iran, US trade fire

Kuwait’s international airport came under attack on June 3 when an Iranian drone strike hit a passenger terminal, killing an Indian national and wounding 63 others, including those with severe injuries like cerebral hemorrhages and amputations. Kuwait’s military labeled the incident 'criminal Iranian aggression,' while Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed the US provoked the response by striking a tanker and communications tower on Qeshm Island. The strike occurred amid heightened tensions following a fragile April 8 ceasefire, which paused over a month of conflict sparked by US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran. Kuwait suspended air traffic temporarily but later resumed Kuwait Airways flights after diverting incoming planes. The attack marked the latest escalation in a series of strikes targeting Gulf nations, with Bahrain also reporting intercepted Iranian missiles and drones overnight. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards did not claim responsibility for the airport attack but warned of further retaliation, specifically targeting Kuwait’s Ali Al Salem Air Base, which hosts helicopters. The escalation follows direct talks in Washington involving US, Israeli, and Lebanese officials to de-escalate the parallel conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in March. A proposed US-led ceasefire would initially limit strikes to Israeli attacks on Beirut and Hezbollah attacks on Israeli territory, though neither side has publicly accepted the deal. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reiterated that any aggression would face a 'decisive, regrettable, and proportionate response.' The strike occurred as Iran prepared to mark the anniversary of the death of its founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, with a statement expected from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s successor, Mojtaba. Meanwhile, the UAE called for a unified Gulf stance against Tehran’s actions, highlighting regional concerns over the rising tensions. Kuwait detected 30 ballistic missiles and drones launched during the attack, denying Iranian claims that its territory was used for US strikes.