Kuwait has formally accused Iran of orchestrating a military assault on one of its strategic islands earlier this month, claiming that Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces attempted to infiltrate territory that houses a major Chinese-backed port development.
The Middle Eastern nation announced Tuesday that six armed Iranian paramilitary operatives tried to breach Bubiyan Island on May 1, located in the northwestern section of the Persian Gulf near the borders with Iraq and Iran.
According to Kuwaiti officials, the infiltration team planned to execute “hostile acts” on the island, though authorities did not specify the exact nature of the intended operations.
Kuwaiti security forces successfully intercepted four of the attackers, while two managed to flee during the confrontation. One Kuwaiti security officer sustained injuries during the incident, which was initially reported on May 3 without details about Iranian involvement.
The detained suspects have been identified as two Revolutionary Guard naval captains, one Guard naval lieutenant, and one Guard army lieutenant, according to Kuwaiti authorities.
Bubiyan Island serves as the location for the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port, currently under development as part of China’s extensive “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative. This same port facility has previously been targeted during regional conflicts involving Iran.
The timing of Kuwait’s allegation appears significant, as it coincides with President Trump’s scheduled diplomatic visit to Beijing for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Iran is expected to be among the key topics during their summit, particularly given China’s history of purchasing Iranian oil despite international sanctions and Beijing’s concerns about the ongoing energy crisis caused by regional instability.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee revealed another significant military development in the region during a Tel Aviv conference. “I’d like to say a word of appreciation for United Arab Emirates, the first Abraham accord member,” Huckabee stated. “Just look at the benefits. Israel just sent them Iron Dome batteries and personnel to help operate them.”
This marks the first public confirmation of Israeli military deployment to the UAE, highlighting the strengthening defense partnership between the two nations that established diplomatic relations in 2020. The UAE has been seeking to reassure investors and residents about security following Iranian missile and drone attacks even after regional ceasefires.
The ambassador expressed optimism about expanding regional cooperation, saying he was “very optimistic” that additional Middle Eastern countries would soon join the Abraham Accords for formal diplomatic recognition of Israel.
However, Huckabee acknowledged the challenges facing regional diplomacy, noting that many Arab states remain angry about Israel’s extensive military operations following Hamas’s 2023 attack, which have resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza and Israeli control over territories in Lebanon and Syria.
“The Gulf states now understood they will have to make a choice — is it more likely they will be attacked by Iran or Israel?” Huckabee asked. “They see that Israel helped us and Iran attacked us. Israel is not trying to take over your land, and is not sending missiles to you.”
In related regional developments, Bahrain announced Tuesday that prosecutors have sentenced at least two dozen individuals on charges including espionage and conspiracy with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Three defendants received life sentences, while others got shorter terms on Iran-related charges.
The narrow Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian influence, and diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran appear stalled, raising concerns about potential renewed conflict in the strategically vital region.
