Iran’s ongoing military exchanges with the United States have repeatedly placed Kuwait in the crosshairs, as Tehran views Kuwaiti territory—particularly bases such as Ali al-Salem—as staging grounds for American operations. In retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian sites and shipping, the IRGC has conducted missile and drone barrages against Kuwaiti infrastructure, including the international airport in June 2026 and subsequent threats to tankers near Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports in October. Kuwait has maintained strict neutrality, condemned the attacks at the UN, and invoked Security Council Resolution 2817 while warning of disruptions to Strait of Hormuz navigation. Recent IRGC warnings of expanded “prohibited zones” and escalation tied to further U.S. actions remain the dominant near-term catalysts for any renewed targeting.