HIGHMILITARYVERIFIED
Iran strikes Gulf states — Saudi Arabia intercepts 6 drones in east, Kuwait air defenses engage rocket and drone attack
·Eastern Saudi Arabia / Kuwait
Iran launched a new wave of drone and rocket attacks against Gulf states in the early hours of Day 19. Saudi Arabia's defence ministry confirmed it intercepted six Iranian drones over the country's east. Kuwait's military separately reported active interception of rocket and drone attacks against the country.
Iran continued its campaign of strikes against Gulf Arab states in the early hours of March 18. Saudi Arabia's defence ministry issued two statements confirming it had destroyed a total of six drones in the country's eastern region — the area hosting the critical oil infrastructure of the Eastern Province, including Aramco's Dhahran and Abqaiq facilities.
Kuwait's military separately posted on X that 'Kuwaiti air defenses are currently intercepting hostile rocket and drone attacks,' marking another direct attack on the small Gulf state. Kuwait hosts a significant US military presence at Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base.
The attacks come as Iran has been targeting Gulf Arab states that host US military forces or have supported the US-Israel campaign. The UAE reported being targeted by more than 2,000 Iranian drones and missiles since the start of the war. Gulf state air defenses have so far prevented mass casualties, but the cumulative pressure on air defense systems is rising.
iransaudi-arabiakuwaitdronesgulf-statesair-defenseeastern-province
Actor responses
US forces on alert across Gulf bases as Iran escalates drone and rocket campaign. CENTCOM monitoring air defense interceptions in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
IRGC continues multi-vector strikes against Gulf states hosting US military forces, targeting Saudi eastern province and Kuwait to raise the cost of regional support for the US-Israel campaign.
Sources