The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has strongly denied Iranian claims that a US missile interceptor caused damage at Kuwait International Airport, instead asserting that Iran deliberately struck the civilian facility with drones.
CENTCOM Rejects Iranian Account
In a formal statement, CENTCOM labeled Tehran's version of events as "totally false." The command stated: "CLAIM: Iran claimed today that it did not attack the passenger terminal at Kuwait International Airport and damage was instead caused by a US missile interceptor. Totally FALSE." It further asserted: "TRUTH: Iran struck the civilian airport with drones in a deliberate, calculated, and unjustified attack."
IRGC Denies Involvement
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had earlier denied targeting the airport, alleging that a malfunctioning US Patriot air-defense interceptor caused the destruction. According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, an IRGC spokesperson said: "The Aerospace Force did not target Kuwait Airport. The damage was caused by Patriot systems that landed on the terminal after a failed interception attempt."
Casualties and Damage
The attack resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to 63 others, forcing a temporary closure of Kuwait's main airport. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed the casualties and significant material damage to the terminal building.
India Condemns Attack
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly condemned the attack, stating: "We condemn the attack on the Kuwait International Airport today in which an Indian national has died and several of our nationals are injured." The MEA urged all parties to protect civilians and avoid targeting non-military assets.
Escalating Tensions in West Asia
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with both sides trading heavy military strikes. Kuwait's Ministry of Defence spokesman reported that 30 ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were launched in the operation, calling it a "heinous Iranian aggression."
Iran's Justification
Tehran has justified its military actions by accusing Bahrain and Kuwait of allowing US forces to use their territories to launch operations against Iran. The IRGC stated it targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain in response to attacks on an Iranian oil tanker and a communications facility on Qeshm Island.
While Iran acknowledged striking these military installations, its official statements did not mention the attack on the civilian airport. The conflicting accounts underscore the volatile situation in the region, where diplomatic efforts have yet to de-escalate the conflict.
