Several US warplanes crashed in Kuwait on Monday morning as Iran pressed ahead with a third consecutive day of retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region.
Kuwait’s defence ministry confirmed the incident, stating that all crew members survived and were evacuated for medical evaluation. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
“Search and rescue operations were immediately initiated,” a ministry spokesman said, adding that the crew were transported to hospital and are in stable condition.
The crashes came amid intensifying Iranian attacks targeting American interests and regional allies. Black smoke was seen rising near the United States Embassy in Kuwait, although officials did not confirm a direct hit. The embassy issued a security alert warning of continued missile and drone threats and instructed personnel to shelter in place.
Explosions were also reported across Gulf cities including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Manama, underscoring the widening scope of the confrontation.
Iran’s military said it targeted the Ali Al Salem air base in Kuwait, which hosts US troops, and launched 15 cruise missiles. Kuwaiti authorities reported intercepting multiple drones at dawn, though debris caused limited damage to infrastructure.
At Mina Al Ahmadi refinery, falling shrapnel injured two workers but did not disrupt production, according to the Kuwait National Petroleum Company.
The escalating conflict follows joint US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, triggering what analysts describe as the most dangerous Gulf confrontation in decades.
Residents across Kuwait City reported sirens and growing anxiety. Many rushed to fuel stations and supermarkets amid fears of further escalation.
So far, Iranian strikes have reportedly killed five people across Gulf states, including one in Kuwait.
With key oil facilities, military bases and diplomatic missions now within range of attacks, the crisis threatens to destabilise a region long considered relatively insulated from direct warfare.
