The long-standing diplomatic relationship between Iran and Kuwait has recently faced renewed tension. There was a time—during the Gulf War (1990–91)—when Iran stood by Kuwait, providing refuge to displaced people and assisting in extinguishing the country’s burning oil wells. However, distinct distrust has now emerged between the two nations, centered on issues regarding US military bases and regional security.
Recently, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described Kuwait on social media as “part of the fire of evil forces.” He alleged that although Iran has consistently pursued a policy of neighborly goodwill, Kuwait has failed to reciprocate that support. His remarks came at a time when US military bases in Kuwait were being targeted by Iranian missile strikes.
Conversely, the Kuwaiti government has maintained that the United States did not launch any military operations against Iran from Kuwaiti territory. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Defense has characterized Iran’s attacks as “criminal aggression.”
Strain in Relations Dating Back to the Iran-Iraq War
Despite years of diplomatic, commercial, and cultural ties, the relationship between Iran and Kuwait shifted following the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War in 1980. During that conflict, Kuwait provided Iraqi President Saddam Hussein with substantial financial loans, logistical support, and access to its ports.
Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Kuwait’s ruling establishment feared that Iran might expand its influence across the Gulf region and incite Kuwait’s Shia population to revolt. Although Iran was blamed for attacks on Kuwaiti oil tankers, diplomatic facilities, and aircraft during the war, no definitive proof of official Iranian involvement in these incidents was ever established.
The Gulf War Shifts the Relationship
A new chapter in the relationship began after Iraq occupied Kuwait in 1990. When a US-led international coalition launched a military campaign against Iraq, a severe humanitarian crisis unfolded in Kuwait, forcing over a million people to flee the country.
At that time, Iran provided shelter to thousands of Kuwaitis, foreign workers, stateless individuals, and Iraqi citizens. Temporary refugee camps were established in Iran’s Khuzestan province to provide food, medical care, and safe shelter, as well as to facilitate repatriation. At the time, British Members of Parliament also praised Iran’s humanitarian initiative.
Iran’s Role in Extinguishing Burning Oil Wells
Before retreating from Kuwait, Iraqi forces set fire to hundreds of oil wells and released vast quantities of oil into the Gulf, resulting in one of history’s greatest environmental disasters. Toxic smoke spread as far as southwestern Iran.
In response, Iran dispatched a team of 47 engineers and oil experts to Kuwait. Working under hazardous conditions at the Burgan oil field, they succeeded in bringing 28 burning oil wells under control. This humanitarian and technical assistance played a pivotal role in improving relations between the two nations, leading to increased diplomatic dialogue, trade, and security cooperation throughout the 1990s.
Renewed Tensions Surrounding US Bases
Following the Gulf War, the United States significantly expanded its military presence in the Middle East. Currently, five of the 19 US military bases in the region are located in Kuwait, hosting approximately 13,500 American troops.
Iran has long viewed the permanent US military presence in the Gulf region as a threat to its own security and sovereignty. Amidst recent conflicts, reports surfaced in some international media outlets suggesting that bases in Kuwait were being used for regional military operations—claims that the Kuwaiti government has denied.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump publicly expressed gratitude to several Gulf nations, including Kuwait, for their stance against Iran. According to Iranian analysts, this has further deepened Tehran’s suspicions regarding Kuwait’s position.
Defense Agreement with Pakistan
In the midst of this, Kuwait has approved a new five-year defense agreement with Pakistan. The pact encompasses military training, intelligence sharing, and technical cooperation.
Analysts suggest that while such an agreement is routine, its approval during a period of heightened regional tension signals a shift in Kuwait’s security strategy. However, it is expected that Iran will closely monitor the situation rather than actively opposing the agreement at this stage. The relationship between Iran and Kuwait—which once stood by each other during the difficult times of war—now faces a new uncertainty driven by geopolitical rivalry, the US military presence, and regional security issues.
