Iran and Kuwait’s long-standing diplomatic relationship has entered a new period of tension over US military bases and regional security, according to a report published on August 3, 2026. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on social media that Kuwait was “part of the fire of evil forces,” as US bases in Kuwait became targets of Iranian missile strikes. He said Iran had pursued a neighborly policy but Kuwait had not repaid its assistance.

Kuwait’s government said the United States had not launched any military operation against Iran from Kuwaiti territory. Its Defence Ministry described Iran’s attacks as “criminal aggression.” The report traces earlier strains to the Iran-Iraq war beginning in 1980, when Kuwait provided Iraqi President Saddam Hussein with major financial loans, logistical support and port access.

Relations improved after Iraq occupied Kuwait in 1990, when Iran sheltered refugees and sent 47 engineers and oil specialists who helped control 28 burning oil wells. Kuwait now hosts five of the 19 US military bases in the Middle East, with about 13,500 American troops stationed there. Kuwait has also approved a five-year defence agreement with Pakistan covering military training, intelligence sharing and technical cooperation.