Iran attacked a desalination plant and a power station in Kuwait in response to U.S. strikes, underscoring the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the increasing threat to civilian infrastructure. The government of Kuwait reported on Friday that both facilities were hit, resulting in damage to several power-generating units.
While such facilities in Kuwait had already been targeted during the peak of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran in March and early April, this marks the first Iranian strike on Kuwait’s energy infrastructure during the latest escalation between the two sides.
The authorities in the Arab Gulf state are working to restore the damaged facilities and have extinguished the fire caused by the strikes, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Water. The ministry urged residents to conserve electricity to alleviate the load on the grid, which typically operates under high demand during the summer in one of the hottest countries in the world.
Kuwait is bracing for temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees FahrenheitU.S. in the region.
Wide Range of Iranian Strikes
The attack on Kuwait was part of a broader series of strikes by Iran against Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Oman overnight and on Friday. Most of the rockets and drones targeted American bases. Iran, which routinely retaliates to attacks on its territory, has not confirmed any deliberate targeting of Kuwait’s civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Ministry of Energy reported on Friday that some energy supply facilities in the southern part of the country, where most U.S. strikes have been concentrated since early last week, were also attacked. The ministry urged residents to limit their use of air conditioning.
U.S. Response and Trump’s Threats
The U.S. stated that its strikes primarily target Iranian military infrastructure—specifically rocket, drone, and radar facilities—in an effort to compel Tehran to cease attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Washington has intensified strikes on vehicle bridges over the past 24 hours, marking the sixth consecutive day of bombings in the Islamic Republic.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to escalate military operations until Iran halts its attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. He also indicated that strikes on Iran’s energy facilities could represent the final phase of the military campaign.
Kuwait has emerged as one of the countries most affected by recent Iranian strikes. In June, a shell struck the passenger terminal of a civil airport in this oil-rich state, killing one person and injuring more than 60. On Wednesday, four Kuwaiti Navy servicemen were injured when Iran launched five cruise missiles, one ballistic missile, and 33 drones.
Source: Bloomberg
