Kuwait – Amid escalating regional tensions, authorities in both Kuwait and Bahrain announced that they had been subjected to a series of Iranian drone attacks on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This comes as part of Tehran’s continued targeting of neighboring Gulf states.
Targeting energy infrastructure in Kuwait
Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy announced that a second power and water desalination plant was targeted in an Iranian attack, resulting in a fire at one of its facilities. The ministry stated that the attack necessitated precautionary operational measures, including the shutdown of several generating units to ensure the safety of personnel and the stability of the electrical grid. This marks the second such attack in 48 hours, following a similar announcement on Friday.
In the transportation sector, Kuwait Airways announced the rescheduling of most of its flights due to a temporary suspension of air traffic at Kuwait International Airport. This was an emergency security measure following the missile and drone attacks launched by Iran.
Bahraini forces repel Iranian attacks
In Manama, the Bahrain Defense Force announced that its air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed several “treacherous” Iranian aerial attacks in the kingdom’s airspace. An AFP correspondent reported hearing sporadic explosions on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, the Bahraini Ministry of Interior activated its early warning system five times since dawn. It urged citizens and residents to remain calm, seek shelter, and follow official instructions.
These developments on the ground exacerbate the security crisis in the Gulf region, as Tehran continues to intensify its aerial operations targeting vital facilities in neighboring countries. This comes amidst a state of military and defensive alert adopted by the Gulf states to protect their sovereignty and critical infrastructure.
