Iranian attacks on Gulf states have reached new levels since the war began, with Kuwait emerging as one of the countries most heavily targeted in recent weeks.
The attacks have continued despite a ceasefire between Iran and the United States, mediated by Pakistan, that has been in place since last April.
According to a tally by Asharq Al-Awsat following the two latest attacks on Kuwait, on May 28 and again on Monday, and based on official data and statements issued by Gulf Cooperation Council states, Iranian attacks on Gulf countries from the start of the war in February through early June 2026 totaled about 7,028. They included around 1,716 missiles and 5,311 drones.
The figures show that drones accounted for the bulk of Iran’s attacks with more than 5,000 launched, compared with over 1,700 missiles. The pattern points to Tehran’s growing reliance in recent months on low-cost, high-volume attacks.
The attacks have persisted despite the truce. More than 215 Iranian attacks have been recorded since the ceasefire was announced on April 8, underscoring continued security tensions in the region. Gulf air defenses have intercepted and destroyed most of the attacks.
According to the tally, the United Arab Emirates recorded the highest number of attacks, with 2,846, followed by Saudi Arabia with 1,234. Kuwait was third with 1,194 attacks, reflecting the recent surge in strikes targeting the country.
Qatar was fourth with 737 attacks, followed by Bahrain with 700, while Oman recorded the fewest with 26.
The figures come after Kuwait was hit by fresh attacks in recent days, prompting several Gulf states to condemn the strikes and declare their solidarity with Kuwait.
The continued attacks have also raised warnings that they threaten regional stability and undermine efforts to consolidate the ceasefire.
Kuwait said on Monday that its air defenses had repelled missile and drone attacks targeting the country, activated emergency procedures, and sounded sirens in several areas.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry held Iran fully responsible and said Kuwait reserved the right to take all necessary measures to defend its security and sovereignty.
The Kuwait News Agency, KUNA, said Kuwaiti air defenses had intercepted hostile missiles and drones, as sirens sounded across the country. It did not immediately provide further details on the targets or the extent of any possible damage.
After the attacks, the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it called “sinful and repeated Iranian attacks.”
It said the attacks represented “a dangerous escalation and a direct assault on the security and stability of the State of Kuwait,” as well as a direct threat to civilians and vital facilities.
The ministry said the attacks violated international law, the United Nations Charter, and UN Security Council resolutions, adding that their continuation undermined efforts to reduce tensions and contain the fallout from the escalating regional crisis.
Saudi Arabia also strongly condemned the repeated Iranian attacks on Kuwait. In a statement, it said, “the Kingdom stresses its categorical rejection of these attacks, which violate the sovereignty of Kuwait in a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”
It said the violations undermined international efforts to restore security and stability in the region. Saudi Arabia expressed solidarity with Kuwait’s government and people and renewed its full support for all measures Kuwait takes to preserve its sovereignty, security, and stability.
GCC Secretary-General Jassem Albudaiwi condemned the continued “hostile Iranian attacks” targeting Kuwait, describing them as a dangerous and irresponsible escalation, a blatant violation of Kuwait’s sovereignty and international laws and norms, and a direct threat to regional security and stability.
Albudaiwi said the continued attacks reflected an unacceptable Iranian approach that undermined efforts to preserve security and stability.
He called on the international community and the UN Security Council to assume their responsibilities and take a firm, deterrent stance against violations that threaten regional and international peace and security.
The GCC secretary-general stressed that Kuwait’s security was an integral part of the security of all GCC states.
The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the Iranian “terrorist attacks” that targeted Kuwait with missiles and drones. In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry said the attacks were a flagrant violation of its sovereignty and a threat to its security and stability.
Abu Dhabi expressed its full solidarity with Kuwait and its support for all measures aimed at preserving Kuwait’s security and stability.
